Online Casinos & Gambling in Europe 2023 (Players Guide)

Austria boasts a well-established and legally-regulated online gambling industry, vigilantly overseen by the Austrian Ministry of Finance. This picturesque country offers a vast array of gambling options to its players, including sports betting, casino games, lotteries, and poker, catering to the discerning tastes of even the most demanding players. However, participation in any of these activities is exclusively reserved for those individuals who have attained at least the age of majority, which is set at 18 years. Notably, some of the most celebrated online casinos in Austria are win2day, while the leading game providers include Novomatic, Netent, Evolution Gaming, and Playtech, known for their unrivaled gaming experiences.

When it comes to payment methods, the most commonly used in Austria is Paysafecard. Additionally, players can relish various bonuses, ranging from welcome bonuses to cashback offers and randomly selected prizes, adding to the excitement of the overall gaming experience. However, it’s important to note that Austria takes a tough stance against unlicensed online casinos, imposing stringent measures to prevent illegal gambling activities.

• Related: Read our guide to the best online casinos Austria has in 2023 to learn more.

In Belgium, online gambling is a legal and strictly regulated industry, overseen by the Belgian Gaming Commission with stringent licensing requirements. Participation in sports betting, casino games, or poker online is restricted to individuals who have attained at least 21 years of age, ensuring that gambling activities are conducted with responsibility and maturity. The most popular casino sites in Belgium include Casino777, Supergame.be, Napoleon Casino, Blitz, and Circus Casino, while NetEnt, Evolution Gaming, and Playtech stand out as the leading game providers, renowned for their exceptional gaming experiences.

Payment methods commonly used in Belgium include Bancontact, credit cards, and e-wallets such as Skrill and Neteller, ensuring ease and convenience in transactions. Players can relish a variety of bonuses such as welcome bonuses, cashback, and free bets, enhancing the overall gambling experience.

The Belgian government, in recognition of the potential risks of problem gambling, has proposed a comprehensive ban on all forms of gambling advertising. The rationale behind the proposal is the concern that advertising may exacerbate problem gambling despite its general acceptance in Belgian society. Additionally, the government advises players not to spend more than 5% of their income on gambling activities, emphasizing the importance of responsible gambling practices. To ensure compliance with regulations, severe fines are imposed on unlicensed casino operators who violate these laws.

• Related: Read our guide to the best online casinos Belgium has in 2023 to learn more.

Since 2012, all forms of gambling in Bulgaria have been legal and subject to regulation by the Bulgarian National Revenue Agency. Individuals who wish to participate in online gambling must be at least 18 years old, ensuring that all gambling activities are conducted with maturity and responsibility. Among the most popular types of online gambling in Bulgaria are sports betting and casino games. Notable casino sites in Bulgaria include Efbet, Bet365, Winbet, Bwin, and Palms Bet, while the leading game providers are Amusnet (formerly EGT Interactive) and CT Interactive, known for their outstanding gaming experiences.

Bulgarian players can select from a variety of payment methods, including ePay.bg, EasyPay, Fast Pay, CashTerminal, Skrill, Neteller, ecoPayz, and Bank Transfer, providing maximum convenience and security in transactions. Moreover, they can relish various bonuses, such as free bets, casino slots, and sports welcome bonuses, enhancing the excitement of online gambling.

Bulgaria takes a hard line against unlicensed online casino sites, imposing strict measures to prevent illegal gambling activities. While gambling is a popular pastime in Bulgaria, there is some concern about problem gambling. However, public opinion is generally neutral towards gambling.

• Related: Read our guide to the best online casinos Bulgaria has in 2023 to learn more.

In Croatia, online gambling is a legal and regulated industry, overseen by the Croatian Ministry of Finance with strict age restrictions for players set at 18 years old. The country offers a diverse range of online gambling options, including sports betting, casino games, poker, bingo, and lottery, catering to the varying tastes of Croatian players. Notable casino sites in Croatia include Admiral.hr, Arena Casino, Rizk Casino, Germania Casino, Senator, and SuperSport, while the leading game providers are Playtech, Novomatic, Evoplay, Amusnet, Kajot Games, Synot, Apollo Games, and Play’n GO, known for their outstanding gaming experiences.

Croatian players can opt for various payment methods, such as AirCash, A-bon, Paysafecard, Revolut, Skrill, and Corvus Pay, ensuring secure and convenient transactions. Additionally, they can enjoy a wide array of bonuses, such as first deposit casino bonuses, cashback, and €10 or €20 free bets on the first deposit, further enhancing the overall gambling experience.

Croatia takes a tough stance against illegal online gambling, and the Ministry of Finance’s Tax Administration ensures that online gambling is only permitted when it has obtained proper authorization under the Act on Games of Chance. Recent research by Tena Radičević and Ivica Kelam from the Strossmayer University of Osijek suggests that the demand for online sports betting has significantly increased in Croatia over the last two decades, with most people perceiving it as a form of entertainment and fun.

• Related: Read our guide to the best online casinos Croatia has in 2023 to learn more.

If you want to gamble at reputable online casinos in Cyprus, you should look for ones operating within the European Union. The Cyprus Gaming Commission currently doesn’t allow online casino services in the country.

• Related: Read our Guide to The Best Online Casinos Cyprus Has in 2023 to learn more.

In Czechia, online casino gambling is permitted, subject to specific conditions set by the Ministry of Finance of the Czech Republic. Participation in online gambling is restricted to individuals who have attained at least 18 years of age, ensuring responsible and mature conduct in all gambling activities. The country offers various online gambling options, including sports betting, casino games, and lottery, catering to the diverse preferences of Czech players. Notable casino sites in Czechia include Sazka.cz, Forbes Casino, SynotTip, Fortuna, Tipsport, and Apollo Games, while the leading game providers are Amusnet, Apollo, Easit, Synot, Novomatic, Kajot, iSoftBet, Pragmatic Play, and Wazdan, known for their exceptional gaming experiences.

Czech players can select from a range of payment methods, such as Paysafecard, NeteraPay, PayU, Mastercard, and Maestro, ensuring secure and convenient transactions. Furthermore, they can enjoy various bonuses, such as casino registration bonuses, bonuses for account verification, and free bets, adding to the excitement of online gambling.

Illegal gambling in Czechia is strictly prohibited, and the government is actively working to enforce laws related to this area. A blacklist of illegal casino sites can be found on the www.mfcr.cz website in the Czech. Despite this, the social attitude towards gambling in Czechia appears to be relatively permissive, as evidenced by the fact that various regulated gambling activities are allowed, including online gambling. However, strict regulations are also in place to ensure that gambling is conducted in a responsible and legal manner.

• Related: Read our guide to the best online casinos Czechia has in 2023 to learn more.

In Denmark, online casino gambling is a legal and regulated industry under the Danish Act on Gambling and Executive Order no. 1274 on online casinos, overseen by the Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden). Online gambling activities are exclusively restricted to individuals who have attained at least 18 years of age, ensuring that gambling is conducted with maturity and responsibility. The country offers various online gambling options, including betting, online casino games, poker, bingo, and lotteries, catering to the diverse tastes of Danish players. Notable casino sites in Denmark include Unibet, Betsson, 888.com, and PartyCasino, while the leading game providers are Play’n GO, Netent, Evolution Gaming, Pragmatic Play, Red Tiger, and Nolimit City, known for their exceptional gaming experiences.

Danish players can select from various payment methods, such as Trustly, Paysafecard, Skrill, PayPal, MobilePay, Apple Pay, Visa, and Mastercard, ensuring secure and convenient transactions. Furthermore, they can enjoy various bonuses, such as deposit bonuses and cashback, enhancing the overall gambling experience.

The Danish Gambling Authority maintains a close watch on the illegal gambling market in Denmark to safeguard players and ensure that licensed operators operate within a well-regulated market. The social attitude towards gambling in Denmark appears to be mixed.

• Related: Read our guide to the best online casinos Denmark has in 2023 to learn more.

In Estonia, online gambling is a legal and regulated industry, overseen by the Estonian Tax and Customs Board, with participation restricted to individuals who have attained at least 21 years of age, ensuring that gambling is conducted with maturity and responsibility. The country offers a diverse range of online gambling options, including sports betting, online casino games, and poker, catering to the varying preferences of Estonian players. Notable casino sites in Estonia include Betsafe, Kanuuna, CasinoFriday, Ninja Casino, OptiBet, Highroller Casino, and Coolbet, while the leading game providers are Play’n GO, Hacksaw Gaming, Nolimit City, Relax Gaming, Greentube, Yggdrasil, and Playtech, renowned for their exceptional gaming experiences.

Estonian players can choose from a range of payment methods, such as Trustly, Zimpler, Skrill, Paysafecard, Mifinity, MuchBetter, Visa, and Mastercard, ensuring safe and convenient transactions. Moreover, they can enjoy various bonuses, such as first-time deposit bonuses, free spins, and cashback bonus offers, adding to the excitement of online gambling.

The gambling regulator in Estonia takes a firm stance against illegal gambling and actively seeks information on the organization of illegal gambling. They advise players to avoid playing on illegal casino websites and use legal operators that have the appropriate licenses in Estonia, ensuring a well-regulated gambling industry. The social attitude towards gambling in Estonia appears to be relatively accepting, as the country has a well-regulated gambling industry, catering to the varying interests of its citizens.

• Related: Read our guide to the best online casinos Estonia has in 2023 to learn more.

In Finland, online gambling is a legal and regulated industry, overseen by Veikkaus Oy, a state-owned company governed by the Lotteries Act, according to the Ministry of the Interior, with participation restricted to individuals who have attained at least 18 years of age, ensuring that gambling is conducted responsibly. The country offers various online gambling options, including casino games and lotteries, catering to the varying interests of Finnish players. Notable casino sites in Finland include Kanuuna and CasinoFriday, while the leading game providers are Relax Gaming, Hacksaw Gaming, Play’n GO, Pragmatic Play, Evolution Gaming, and Playtech, known for their exceptional gaming experiences.

Finnish players can choose from various payment methods, such as Trustly Pay N Play, Zimpler, and Paysafecard, ensuring secure and convenient transactions. Moreover, they can enjoy various bonuses, such as 1st deposit bonuses with free spins, enhancing the overall gambling experience.

Overall, gambling in Finland is considered a unique form of lottery that has harmful effects on society.

• Related: Read our guide to the best online casinos Finland has in 2023 to learn more.

In France, online gambling is legal and regulated by the Online Gaming Regulatory Authority (ARJEL), as of May 12, 2010 (no. 2010-476), with participation restricted to individuals who have attained at least 18 years of age, ensuring responsible gambling practices. The country offers various online gambling options, including sports betting and online poker, catering to the interests of French players. Notable casino sites in France include Betclic, BarriereBet, Unibet, Pokerstars, and Bwin, while payment methods such as Paysafecard, PayPal, Skrill, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Neosurf, and bank cards ensure secure and convenient transactions.

While online casino games are not legal in France, players can still enjoy various bonuses, such as new player welcome offers and free bets, enhancing their overall gambling experience.

France’s gambling regulator ARJEL is actively working to prevent illegal online casinos from operating in the country, safeguarding the interests of players and the overall integrity of the gambling industry. However, the social attitude towards online gambling in France remains conflicted.

• Related: Read our guide to the best online casinos France has in 2023 to learn more.

In Germany, the operation of online casinos by companies without a valid license is illegal, with the Joint Gaming Authority of the States (GGL) serving as the regulatory authority for online gambling. Players must be at least 18 years old to participate in online gambling. The country offers a wide range of online gambling options, including online casinos, poker, sports betting, and lottery, catering to the diverse interests of German players.

Some of the popular casino sites in Germany include Wildz.de, Admiralbet.de, Die Spielbank, and Jokerstar, while the popular game providers are Netent, Pay’n GO, Hölle Games, Novomatic, Gamomat, Oryx Gaming, Red Rake, and Yggdrasil, offering a rich gaming experience to German players. With various payment methods such as Apple Pay, Giropay, Sofort, MuchBetter, Skrill, Zimpler, and PayPal, players can make secure and convenient transactions.

Casino bonuses for new players are now limited to 100 euros per player annually on licensed DE casino sites. And the German government strongly opposes illegal gambling activities and prohibits advertising for unauthorized gambling offers on the internet, ensuring a safe and regulated gambling environment for all players.

The social attitude towards online gambling in Germany appears to be one of regulation and control, with a focus on protecting players, particularly young people, from addiction and manipulation.

• Related: Read our guide to the best online casinos Germany has in 2023 to learn more.

In Greece, online casinos are legal and regulated by the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC). The minimum age to play is 23, and the main types of gambling available are sports betting and casino games of chance. Some popular casino sites in Greece include Stoiximan and N1 Casino.gr, while the leading game providers are Playtech, GreenTube, NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Red Rake, iSoftBet, OnAir Entertainment, and Amusnet. Accepted payment methods include PayPal, Skrill, Paysafecard, and bank transfers via the National Bank of Greece, Eurobank, Piraeus Bank, Alpha Bank, and Attica Bank. Popular bonuses for new players include free bets.

The Greek gaming commission is taking a strong stance against illegal gambling activities in the country, and the launch of the Whisper digital portal by the Hellenic Gaming Commission suggests that they are actively seeking to identify and clamp down on illegal gambling operations in Greece.

• Related: Read our guide to the best online casinos Greece has in 2023 to learn more.

Hungary is one of the European countries that allow online casinos, and as of 1 January 2023, companies from the European Economic Area can apply for a license to offer online gambling services in Hungary. The top game providers here are Apex Gaming Technology, EGT, Amatic, IGT, Novomatic, Alfastreet, and iSoftBet, and popular payment methods include SimplePay. The main gambling offerings in Hungary are sports betting, lotteries, casino games, and live poker, which can be played in real casinos like Duna Poker Budapest and Big Cash Poker Club Nyiregyháza.

Popular online casino bonuses and promotions include deposit welcome bonuses, Blackjack Happy Hours, and free sports bets. It is worth noting that there is no tax on players’ winnings. Among the top casino sites in Hungary are Grandcasino.hu, Vegas.hu, Vipcasino.hu and Unibet.

• Related: Read our guide to the best online casinos Hungary has in 2023 to learn more.

Today Ireland’s Ministry of Justice regulates online casinos, but a new regulator, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), is expected to be established at some point in 2023. Irish residents can legally gamble on sports betting, play online casino games, live poker, and engage in lottery games. Some of the best gambling bonuses in Ireland are considered deposit welcome bonuses, cashback, free bets, and sign-up offers. Popular casino sites here are Casimba and Unibet and top game providers include Pragmatic Play, Blueprint Gaming, Nolimit City, Novomatic, Evolution Gaming, Ezugi, Quickfire, Lucky Streak, Authentic Gaming, Playtech, and Real Dealer.

Ireland’s online casino gambling community is well-served, with a range of convenient deposit and withdrawal methods, such as debit cards, rapid bank transfers, direct banking via Trustly, and various e-wallets like Skrill and PayPal. Paysafecard and ecoPayz (prepaid cards) are also among the popular accepted options.

• Related: Read our guide to the best online casinos Hungary has in 2023 to learn more.

In 2006, Italy became the inaugural member state of the European Union to legalize, authorize, and oversee internet-based gambling activities — and having an AAMS or ADM license in an online casino is now synonymous with safe and controlled gaming. Some Italian online casinos focus more on providing slots and live casino games, while others cater primarily for bingo, sports betting, real money skill games, and card games such as poker. The legal gambling age in Italy, like most European countries, is 18.

Popular casino sites in Italy include Giochi Digitale, Lottomatica, StarCasino, Snai, and Betclic.it, while top game providers lists comprise Skywind Group, Evolution Gaming, Playtech, Netent, Play’n Go, Pragmatic Play, Tuco Productions, Capecod Gaming, and Cristaltec Group. Popular gambling bonuses here are considered 100% deposit match bonuses and free spins on slots and widely accepted payments in Italy include PayPay, Credorax, Skrill, Neteller, Paysafecard, MuchBetterr, Onshop, and local bank transfers.

• Related: Read our guide to the best online casinos Hungary has in 2023 to learn more.

Latvia has a regulated online gambling industry overseen by the Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Authority. The LV gambling Authority enforces strict rules on foreign casinos and has blacklisted over 1,500 illegal gambling domains. Some of the best licenced online casinos available to Latvian players include Olybet, Laimz, Casino777, Optibet, 11.lv, Klondaika.lv, and Betsafe, and players can register to play using services such as Google Sing-in, SmartID or eParaksts. The top igaming software providers in Latvia are Novomatic, Evolution Gaming, EGT, Amusnet, Nolimit City, Playtech, Hacksaw Gaming, Play’n GO, and Microgaming.

Latvian gambling enthusiasts usually prefer bonuses, such as first deposit welcome bonuses with free spins on slots and new player bonuses for live poker games. Payment options here include Trustly (open banking), and players can also deposit and receive winnings via bank transfers using SEB, Citadele, Luminor, Swedbank services and EMI such as Paysera.

• Related: Read our guide to the best online casinos Latvia has in 2023 to learn more.

In Luxembourg, online and land-based gambling regulations aren’t separate — the only licensed entity that offers online gambling services is the National Lottery, limiting options for online gambling enthusiasts. As a result, players in Luxembourg look for bonuses and games like online slots, blackjack, and roulette games in popular European online casinos.

• Related: Read our guide to the best online casinos Luxembourg has in 2023 to learn more.

Norway

Norway has strict gambling regulations, allowing only state-controlled online sites such as Norsk Tipping for legal gambling. As a consequence, Norwegian players tend to use VPNs and seek deposit bonuses and gaming opportunities at online casinos in Europe. The country’s main gambling options are lotteries (Vikinglotto, EuroJackpot, Extra, Nabolaget, etc.) and sports betting, both of which are regulated by the government. Live poker games which are very popular here are generally not permitted, but private low stakes games have been legal since 2015, and a National Poker Championship has been allowed since 2014. Players must be over 18 to participate in any form of gambling in Norway.

• Related: Read our guide to the best online casinos Norway has in 2023 to learn more.

As of April 1st, 2021, online gambling has been legalized in the Netherlands, allowing Dutch players to legally enjoy casino games, slot machines and sports betting over the internet. Players are recommended to use casino sites that support the Dutch language, accept Netherlands-friendly payment options (iDeal and Dutch bank transfers) and have support options specific to the country. Top Netherlands casinos include Holland Casino, BetCity, Casino777, Circus Casino, Jack’s Casino, and Bet365, which offer real money games from software providers like Relax Gaming, NetEnt, Microgaming, IGT, Oryx Gaming, Red Rake and Greentube. They also offer live dealer games from providers like Evolution Gaming and Playtech. 

The Dutch regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) is committed to promoting reliable gambling services, transparency, and protecting players from illegal practices and gambling addiction. They aim to create a world where the chances of winning are clear, games are fair, and there are no gambling addicts or illegal activities. 

• Related: Read our guide to the best online casinos Netherlands has in 2023 to learn more.

Online gambling is legal in Romania since 2010 and is regulated by the National Gambling Office or ONJN. The authorities tend to block unlicensed casino websites, and there are over 1,300 such sites that have been blocked so far. The leading online casinos in Romania include Admiral Casino, Betano, Casa Pariurilor, Fortuna, Magic Jackpot, Mr Bit, NetBet, SlotV Casino, Vlad Cazino, and WinBet. These casinos comply with relevant regulations and are certified by eCOGRA and affiliated with problem gambling programs. Payment methods available at Romanian online casinos include credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, OKTO.CASH and Paysafecard.

• Related: Read our guide to the best online casinos Romania has in 2023 to learn more.

Online gambling is legal in Slovakia and is regulated by The Gambling Regulatory Authority (Úrad pre reguláciu hazardných hier). Some of the top Slovakian online casinos are Synotip, Betor, Double Star, DOXXbet, Fortuna, Nike.sk, and Tipsport. They offer a variety of real-money games, including slots, table games, jackpots, and specialty games. Each casino has its own site language, including English, German, Croatian, Finnish, and Polish. Popular software providers include Adell, Apollo Games, Amusnet, Kajot, Playtech, CT Interactive, Betsoft, NetEnt, and others. Live dealer games are relatively rare, with most casinos having a sports betting section instead. Payment methods include debit and credit cards, and Sporopay.

The minimum deposit limit is usually 10 or 20 EUR, with no daily/monthly limits on deposits. Withdrawal limits vary depending on the casino, with limits starting at 5000 EUR per day. The best casino bonus for Slovakian players is considered a welcome bonus, which typically includes a 100% match up to 100 EUR and free spins. 

• Related: Read our guide to the best online casinos Slovakia has in 2023 to learn more.

Slovenia allows legal online gambling, but lottery and sports betting are monopolized. The country has limited online casinos as only land-based operators can operate them. Online casinos in Slovenia offer various bonuses and promotions for new and regular customers, including welcome bonuses, reload bonuses, no deposit bonuses, free spins, cashback, and slot tournaments. Slovenians can enjoy online video slots, live dealer games, table games, video poker, and more. Popular game providers include Endorphina, Microgaming, NetEnt, Play’n GO, Hacksaw Gaming, Amusnet Gaming, Relax Gaming, Quickspin, and Yggdrasil Gaming.

• Related: Read our guide to the best online casinos Slovenia has in 2023 to learn more.

Since 2011 Spanish players have had access to a wide range of online casinos that provide classic casino games, sports betting, lottery and poker. Licensing is provided by the Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ), a governmental body that enforces gambling laws. Popular casino sites in Spain include Codere, Starvegas.es, Admiralbet.es, Playuzu.es and Bet365.es. The legal gambling age is 18 and players here can enjoy online slots, roulette, blackjack and other table games as well as sports and fantasy betting. Casino payment methods include PayPal, HalCash, Paysafecard, Skrill, Netteller, Bizum, and local Spanish bank transfers. 

• Related: Read our guide to the best online casinos Spain has in 2023 to learn more.

Online gambling is legal in Sweden and regulated by the Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen). Swedish gambling laws require all casino operators to have a Swedish license to operate legally in the country. The licensed casino sites in Sweden provide players with a safe and reliable environment to play casino games, such as slots and table games and place bets on sports and other events. They offer the Swedish Krona as the account currency.

Some of the top casino sites that Swedish players can enjoy include Betsson, Nordicbet, Betsafe, Unibet, Rizk, and Fun Casino. It’s important to note that unlicensed casinos also exist in Sweden, but players should be cautious when using them, as they may not adhere to the same regulations and safety standards as licensed sites. Trustly and Klarna are two popular casino payment methods in Sweden, but Paysafecard, Skrill, ecoPayz and regular Visa debit options are also available. 

• Related: Read our guide to the best online casinos Sweden has in 2023 to learn more.

Overseen by Gespa, the supervisory and enforcement authority, Switzerland offers players safe and secure online casino gaming environments with a wide selection of games, bonuses, and rewards. To ensure players choose legitimate Swiss online casinos, they should check for the domain extension .ch and ESBK license number prominently displayed on the website. Some of the top Swiss online casinos include Casino777.ch, Mycasino.ch, and Jackpots.ch. Swiss players have a range of deposit and withdrawal options, including bank transfers, credit and debit cards, e-wallets, and prepaid cards like Paysafecard and Aplauz.

Swiss online casino games are similar to those found in European online gambling sites, including card games, European roulette, slot machines, keno, jackpot games, and video poker. The games are offered by a dozen or so select software companies, such as Evolution Gaming, Microgaming, Netent, and Playtech. Swiss players can also enjoy real dealer games from Real Dealer Studios.

• Related: Read our guide to the best online casinos Switzerland has in 2023 to learn more.

Online gambling in the UK is legal and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and online casinos are popular entertainment in the UK due to their convenience and a vast selection of real-money games and sports betting options. The most common payment methods in the UK include Visa direct debit cards, PayPal, Skrill, Trustly, and Paysafecard. It’s recommended that UK players choose UK licensed online casinos for maximum protection and security. However, many prefer to play at unlicensed crypto casinos in the country due to excessive and repeated account verification processes, limits and reduced RTP settings in slot games found in UK online casinos. 

• Related: Read our guide to the best online casinos UK has in 2023 to learn more.