In 2020, the European gambling market generated €81.1 billion. With the changing legislation in favour of the gaming market, these figures are likely to increase. In fact, 2025 projections have set the revenue at about €122 billion.
According to the UN, there are 44 European nations. Gambling laws vary across each country. Some have strict gambling laws, with others being lenient.
On this page, we’ll look at the laws governing gambling across European countries. We’ll also delve into the gambling laws of EU countries that are not members of the Union.
The best online casinos in Europe, popular casino games in the region, the best payment methods – we’ve covered all that. Just read on!
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It’s legal to gamble in most European countries. With hundreds of online gambling sites available, here are the top ones that guarantee limitless entertainment:
Ever watched The Punisher action film? The tiny, sinister, fiery Hellspin logo will make you think of the movie. That’s how hot, yet scary this casino website is.
The best European casinos online usually offer promotions for their patrons. Likewise, Hellspin rolls out a fiery red carpet for new players. There are plenty of bonuses for regular players, too.
If that’s not enough, there’s an extraordinarily blazing VIP program in place. This is for the daring gamblers who would like to feel the heat of the depths of hell.
This gambling website has collaborated with over 60 software developers. Notable names include Play‘N Go, NetEnt, and Yggdrasil. As a result, you can be sure of high-quality, limitless gaming.
Notably, Hellspin is a crypto-friendly website. This Curacao-licensed gambling site supports popular virtual currencies such as Bitcoin.
There are other reliable payment methods too. They include electronic wallets such as Payz and Jeton. You can also use Visa and MasterCard.
The client support system at Hellspin is well-organized. Besides email, you can contact them via live chat. They’re quick to respond and professional.
This European gambling website restricts most countries from other continents except Europe. Also, it supports a couple of EU languages, including Italian and English. This makes it a reliable gaming platform for most EU players.
Established in 2019, King Casino is one of the best European casinos operating under Aspire Global International Limited. This gambling website has a license from the UKGC and MGA. With these reputable regulators, you can be sure it’s a reliable online gaming platform.
This betting website supports over 5 languages, including Finnish and English. It also accepts players from most European countries, such as the UK, Ireland, and Finland.
There are several deposit and withdrawal options at this casino. You can use e-wallets such as Skrill, Payz, and Neteller. Credit cards and prepaid cards are also on the list.
The deposit time is instant, and you can cash in using 10+ currencies. Withdrawals via Visa take up to 6 days. However, cashing out via electronic wallets takes anywhere between 24 to 48 hours.
With over 1500 titles, there’s no room for boredom at King Casino. To guarantee continuous entertainment, the operator regularly adds new games.
Notably, you can only play games at this casino with real money. There are no demo versions. That’s a requirement of the United Kingdom Gambling Commission.
In case of any queries, you can send the customer support representatives at King Casino an email. If they’re unable to solve the issue, you can reach out to The POGG or the UKGC.
For the most entertaining online gambling experience, Bizzo Casino is the go-to site. It offers excellent value for the money.
Even though Bizzo Casino entered the iGaming market in 2020, it has already carved out a niche for itself. It’s one of the best European online casinos that have a Curacao license. Plus, TechSolutions Group Ltd. is the operator and manager of the website.
The gaming platform supports over 10 languages. This includes English, Finnish, German, Hungarian, Russian, and Norwegian.
The online casino uses cutting-edge SSL encryption tools to protect customer data and financial information. This ensures no casino website data falls into the wrong hands.
Additionally, the games at this online betting platform are RNG-certified. This implies that the casino is unable to manipulate the results of the games it offers.
Furthermore, the casino has features that let players manage their online gaming activities. This keeps gambling from turning into a dependency.
Registering at this European online casino is pretty easy. There are only 3 steps involved and you’re done in less than 2 minutes.
When it comes to games, this online casino has outperformed most online casinos in Europe. There are thousands of games on this platform, including slot machines, live dealer titles, and table games.
Comparing apples to apples with other online casinos in Europe, Nucleonbet is utterly state-of-the-art. The homepage alone is enough to sew you to your seat. The graphics and entire website layout are overwhelmingly enticing.
Operating under L.C.S Limited, this online gambling platform has an MGA license. As you may know, the Malta Gaming Authority is one of the top casino regulators that guarantees a fair gaming environment.
Remarkably, this website accepts gamblers from over 150 countries. Only a handful of nations fall under Excluded Territories. Most of them are not from Europe.
This multilingual gambling website supports over 5 different languages. Besides English, you can choose German, Finnish, and Norwegian at any time.
Additionally, the casino accepts several currencies. The only currency that may favor players from certain European regions is the Euro. That means if you’re using the Norwegian Krone, you’ll need to convert to any of the supported currencies.
Still on payments, there are 15+ banking options to choose from. You can use e-wallets such as Payz and Trustly. Popular credit cards and prepaid cards are also available, but cryptocurrencies are not present.
Nucleon bet is a great casino not on Cruks platform.
There are plenty of games on this platform under different categories:
Opened in 2023, Spinfever Casino is among the brand-new online casinos in Europe. It operates under Dama N.V. This should make you feel at home since Dama N.V. is a reputable company.
Spinfever has a valid operating license from Curacao. That means it is a legitimate internet betting platform.
Notably, players from over 100 countries can’t access this casino. Luckily enough, the blacklisted nations are majorly from Africa and Asia. Europeans are more than welcome anytime.
The casino accepts over 5 different languages. Most European gamblers will associate with some of the language options here. English, Deutsch, Suomi, and Norwegian are examples.
The payments section features over 20 reliable payment methods. You can deposit using European-based e-wallets such as Payz. Alternatives are cryptocurrencies, credit cards, and prepaid cards.
Collaborating with over 110 software developers, the game catalogue is extensive. There are over 5000 games ranging from slots to table games and live dealer titles.
Besides selecting games based on categories, you can use a search bar. It will help you find a game or software developer faster.
Spinfever doesn’t have a sportsbook. That means the promo section is entirely for casino players. Besides a hefty welcome bonus, there are regular promotions to catapult your winnings.
Before recommending the best European online casinos, we examined each one of them from head to toe. Only those that met our strict requirements made it on the list. Here are some of the factors we looked at when choosing the best casinos in Europe:
The first thing we looked at when reviewing European casinos is their licensing status. We only picked those EU gambling websites with valid permits from reputable casino regulators. They include Curacao, the UKGC, and the MGA.
Besides holding valid licenses, we examined European online casinos based on their security features. Only the best European online casinos with hack-proof security tools passed our checklist. One of the safety measures we looked at is encryption technology.
You’ll rarely find a gambling site that accepts all players regardless of their country of residence. Almost all casinos block players from certain countries from accessing the sites. Here, we ensured a substantial percentage of European players can access the gambling websites.
There’s no better experience than gaming in a language you understand. Everything just flows, from game rules to the casino’s terms and conditions. For that reason, we only picked online casinos in Europe that support multiple languages.
Using familiar payment methods to transact at online casinos smoothens the withdrawal and deposit processes. You’ll be able to cash out faster and play more. So, we chose casinos with reliable methods that most gamblers from the EU are familiar with.
Playing at an online gaming platform that offers a long range of games keeps away boredom. To guarantee limitless entertainment, we picked those gambling sites with plenty of slots, tables, and live games. Also, we ensured the best gambling platforms in Europe collaborate with a wide range of well-known developers.
The legality of online casinos in Europe varies from nation to nation. Although Europe is more of a “single state”, each country has the autonomy to make its law, especially when it comes to gambling. That’s the reason online casinos are legal in some European nations while illegal in others.
Generally, Europe advocates for a regulated and competitive gambling environment. That was the reason behind the formation of the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) in 2007.
Initially, EGBA, based in Brussels, was called the European Betting Association. Based on the name, it’s clear Europe needed a regulated online gambling market.
Apparently, EGBA has a long way to go to achieve its ultimate goals. Currently, it only has a handful of member companies. With time, though, it will grow, considering the regulation of online gaming is a burden in most European nations.
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The European Union promotes inclusion by establishing unified guidelines that apply across all member countries. This is besides promoting goals such as social progress.
While there are certain standards the EU has formulated, each country can make their laws. Here’s a breakdown of different EU countries and their gambling laws:
It is legal to gamble in the Netherlands. To ensure the gaming sector runs transparently, the Dutch government strictly regulates it.
Notably, the Dutch Gambling Authority, also called Kansspelautoriteit, is the gambling regulator in the country. Besides overseeing gambling activities in the Netherlands, it grants licenses to gaming sites.
In 2022, the Dutch Gambling Authority issued operating licenses to 10 online casino operators. This includes Holland Casino and Dutch Lottery.
Apparently, the regulator emphasizes money laundering and problem gambling. It also emphasizes the legal gambling age (over 18 years) and gambling taxes.
In Poland, it is legal to gamble. The primary law that regulates gambling in this EU country is the 2009 Polish Gambling Act.
Since its introduction, the Polish Gambling Act of 2009 has undergone several revisions. This law regulates gambling by setting standards that apply to gamblers, operators, and other parties in the industry.
While online gambling is legal in Poland, it’s strictly regulated. Notably, Polish gambling laws permit online sports betting but limit other forms of gambling such as casino and poker gaming.
The only operator that can offer online poker and casino games is Totalizator Sportowy. Poland and the EU have been at odds with this monopoly since it’s against EU competition regulations.
Currently, Greece has legal and regulated gaming. Throughout the years, the Greek gaming industry has undergone several adjustments and revisions. The aim has been to create a safe and fair gambling environment.
The Greek government permits brick-and-mortar casino gambling. It also allows Greeks to place bets at European online casinos.
Legal gambling options in the nation are available to Greeks under the watchful eye of the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC). This is the body in charge of licensing physical and online gaming sites.
To play at Greek casinos, you must be 21 years old. It’s the responsibility of each operator to ensure their patrons are of legal age.
There are 4 regulators in Sweden:
Notably, the Swedish Gambling Authority has 3 departments:
The Operational Department oversees the licensing of casinos. It also supervises casino games, lotteries, horse betting, and sports. Basically, this arm of the Swedish Gambling Authority deals with illegal gambling.
In Finland, gambling is lawful, and the government regulates the gaming sector in the country. Three primary operators have been dominating the Finnish gambling market:
In 2017, the three companies merged to form Veikkaus Oy. Currently, this company is in charge of all gambling platforms in Finland.
Notably, the Finnish government has monopolized the online gaming market. However, Finns can gamble at European casinos online platforms without worrying about prosecution.
The history of gambling in Italy extends back to the Roman Empire. Although gambling is now permitted in the nation, the Italian government has tight regulations on it.
In Italy, it’s legal to gamble at European online casinos. Italy was among the first EU countries to legalize online gambling, having introduced the 2006 gambling laws. The Italian internet gaming sector has expanded quickly since then.
Since the implementation of the 2006 gambling laws, the online gaming market in Italy has grown tremendously. There are plenty of lawful offshore casinos that offer a secure gaming environment for Italians.
In Italy, the legal age to gamble is 18 years. Licensed online casinos in Europe must ensure all their players meet the minimum age requirement.
The laws governing casinos in Germany are somewhat complicated. Notably, Germany has federal and state regulations governing gambling.
Lawmakers enacted the Interstate Treaty on Gambling (also called Glücksspielstaatsvertrag) in Germany in 2008. This outlawed all forms of gambling except state-controlled sports betting and horse racing.
In 2020, German states agreed upon a revised version of the ISTG that became operative in 2021. This version lifted the ban on sports betting licenses. As a result, it paved the way for European offshore operators to penetrate the German gambling market.
In Germany, internet gambling is partially legal. The ISTG permits online lotteries and sports betting state-owned corporations to operate. Generally, online casinos are still under a grey area, the only exception being the state of Schleswig-Holstein.
For many people in Northern Ireland, gambling has always been a favorite pastime. There is no lack of amusement for those wishing to try their luck thanks to the range of alternatives offered. This includes sports betting and casinos.
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland superintends all gambling activities in the country. It’s an independent regulatory body that provides licenses and protects Irish players from gambling addiction.
The Betting, Gaming, Lotteries, and Amusements (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 is the major piece of legislation governing gaming in Northern Ireland. This law describes the guidelines that apply to many types of gambling. The guidelines cut across lotteries, casinos, sports betting, and bingo.
Online gambling is legal in Ireland. So, Irish players can bet in the best casinos in Europe. The only thing is online casino operators must have a license from the Irish gambling regulator.
In Denmark, gambling is a legal pastime activity. Notably, the Danish Gambling Authority (DGA) oversees and regulates the country's gaming sector. This government organization ensures the gaming industry is fair and safe.
Also, the Danish Gaming Act establishes the framework for gaming laws in Denmark. It covers a range of gambling activities, including lotteries, online gaming, and casinos with physical locations.
Danish gamblers are at liberty to gamble at European online casinos. That’s because the Danish Gambling Act permits licensed casino operators to offer services to Danish citizens.
The Danish gambling market has been open to domestic and offshore casino operators since 2012. This has created a competitive gaming industry, resulting in the fairness and safety of Danish players.
There are plenty of online casinos in the EU. To help you find quickly the one that suits your taste, we’ve broadly classified them into the following:
In Europe, each nation has the autonomy to decide on the legality of virtual coins within their territories. Generally, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are legal in Europe.
The number of Bitcoin online casinos in Europe is mushrooming. To experience the benefits of these sites, here are the top crypto casinos you can consider:
There are over 400 million smartphone users in Europe. Germany and the United Kingdom are among the leading nations globally when it comes to smartphone penetration rates.
European mobile casino apps allow you to conveniently transact and enjoy games on the go. We’ve cherry-picked the following top mobile casino apps that will satisfy your gaming needs:
Not all online casinos in Europe are fast to pay player winnings. Some of them have long pending periods and may keep you waiting for days.
To get your casino winnings when you need them, fast withdrawal EU casinos are the best option. Here are the top EU gaming sites that payout rapidly:
The live dealer section is the pinnacle of enjoyment at EU online casinos. Live games allow you to interact with real hosts and other gamblers. Thus, they’re more engaging than computer-controlled games.
We’ve come up with a list of the best live casinos in Europe. They immerse you in casino games and will keep you glued to your seat.
Europe is home to some of the best football teams. Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Inter Milan are great examples. Besides football, golf, cricket, and boxing are popular sports.
With such a passion for sports, it’s not surprising to find millions of sports bettors in Europe. For that reason, we’ve compiled the following sports betting EU sites with the best odds and extensive markets:
Most EU nations have legalized gambling. As a result, new online casinos continue to flock to the European gambling market.
With hundreds of brand-new European online casinos, it can be tough to decide the best one. You don’t have to worry, though. Here’s a list of the best new online casinos that accept EU gamblers:
Casino name | Bonus | License | Launched | Min Deposit | Min Withdrawal |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Spinstralia Casino | 500% up to AUD 2,000 + 50 Free Spins | N/A | 2024 | €25 | €50 |
KinBet Casino | 250% Up to EUR 3,000 + 350 Free Spins | N/A | 2024 | €10 | €10 |
Vipzino Casino | 255% Up to EUR 450 + 250 Free Spins | Costa Rica | 2024 | €2 | €50 |
Slott Casino | 200% Welcome Offer | Curacao | 2024 | – | – |
Boomerino Casino | 100% Match up to €600 + 100 Free Spins | N/A | 2024 | €20 | €50 |
Wildsino Casino | 100% Up to €500 and 200 Free Spins | PAGCOR | 2024 | €10 | €10 |
GreatSpin Casino | 100% up to €1,000 + 50 Free Spins | Curacao | 2024 | €10 | €10 |
BetSixty Casino | 255% Up to EUR 450 | N/A | 2024 | €2 | €50 |
Kaasino Casino | 100% Up to €1,000 + 300 Free Spins | Costa Rica | 2024 | €20 | €30 |
LegendPlay Casino | 100% Up to €500 + 200 Free Spins | PAGCOR | 2022 | €10 | €10 |
There are several No Verification online casinos in Europe. Notable European nations with No ID casinos include Sweden, the Netherlands, the UK, and Germany.
As an online gambler in Europe, you can enjoy the reliability of No KYC gaming websites. These European online casinos have no registration processes. As a result, you’ll be able to get straight into the gaming action.
Furthermore, you can enjoy instant withdrawals and deposits. That’s because there are no delays in verifying your casino account.
To top it off, No Verification European online casinos feature European-based No ID payment methods. A great example is Trustly, headquartered in Sweden. This banking option allows you to make instant transactions without even registering for an account.
A fair warning, though: Don’t gamble at No Verification European online casinos if you’re underage. These casinos may not request age verification. However, that shouldn’t give you the freedom to gamble when you’ve not attained the legal age.
The most-loved casino games in Europe have been around for centuries. They offer exceptional amusement at European online casinos.
Some of these games are skill-based, requiring some level of expertise to win. Others are purely chance-based, meaning you rely on luck to win.
Remarkably, the best casinos in Europe offer free-play versions of these games. That means you can enjoy playing your favorite titles for free. This allows you to familiarize yourself with new games and hone your skills.
That said, here’s a rundown of the most played casino games at the best European online casinos:
You’ve probably seen slot machines in movies or TV shows. They’re the commonest casino games compared to other categories. In fact, European casinos online slots take the biggest share of the game library at gambling websites.
The reason players from Europe enjoy slots is that they’re straightforward. You don’t need specific skills. All you have to do is understand the game rules.
Slot machines are the most diverse games compared to other titles. They come in all sorts of layout, themes, graphics, and soundtracks. For example, you’ll find slots with adventure, animal, or sports themes and unique animations and background sounds.
There are two major types of online slots at European casinos:
Classic Slots
As their name implies, these are vintage slot machines. They have simple layouts and a few bonus features.
Traditional symbols found on classic slot machines include melons, lemons, number 7s, and oranges. To win, you need to land three-of-a-kind.
These games create an enjoyable experience rather than guarantee big wins. So, they’re ideal if you enjoy playing slots more for enjoyment than for profit.
Video Slots
Unlike classic slots, video slot machines are modern. They have rich extra features and high-definition graphics.
These games embrace imaginative ideas centered around compelling narratives. As a result, they’re more engaging than classic slot machines.
Some of the features in these games include expanding reels, cascading reels, and multiple paylines. With these features, you can be sure of enormous wins.
Online roulette is among the most played table games at the best casinos in Europe. This is a game of chance. It involves betting on where a small ball will land on a special spinning wheel.
The wheel usually comes in sequences of green, black, and red colors. Notably, the wheel has a total of 37 pockets; that is from 0-36. The zero is usually green.
Roulette comes in various forms:
European Roulette
The European Roulette is a product of Louis and Francois, two well-known Frenchmen. They took it to Germany in 1843 and its popularity has spread like wildfire across Europe since then.
This variant of the roulette has only one zero. Plus, it has many betting options. This increases your chances of winning in this game.
American Roulette
Unlike the European Roulette, the American variant has an extra zero. So, this game has 38 pockets. While it’s a favorite among Americans, it’s also popular at the best online casinos in Europe.
Compared to the European roulette, this variant has a higher house edge. That means the scale tips in favor of the casino, making your winning chances low. It’s highly enjoyable, though.
French Roulette
The French have been spinning the roulette wheel since 1796. That was the time this game was introduced in France.
This variant is almost similar to European roulette in that it has only one zero. However, the French roulette has fewer betting options. Also, the playing field is unique.
Initially, Blackjack was called vingt-un. It’s a strategic card game that has been around since the 17th century.
In this game, the dealer is behind a semi-circular table facing 5 to 9 playing positions. The dealer shuffles a total of one to eight 52-card decks. To win, your hand of cards must surpass that of the dealer but shouldn’t go beyond 21.
This European casinos online table game comes in several variants:
European Blackjack
In European Blackjack, you get two cards facing down. Notably, the dealer’s first card faces up. You must play your hand for the dealer to get a second card.
Most people consider this variant to be the game from which other variations evolved. Besides a few minor rule modifications, it is similar to the traditional blackjack game found in casinos today.
American Blackjack
Also known as Classic Blackjack, the American Blackjack is among the most common online card games. This game involves 1 to 8 decks of cards. Both you and the dealer get two cards, with one card of the dealer facing down (hole card).
To win, your cards shouldn’t exceed a total of 21. If they’re greater than 21, it’s a bust deal, meaning you lose.
Progressive Blackjack
Another common Blackjack game at European online casinos is the progressive Blackjack. It may come as the European or American Blackjack variant.
As its name suggests, this Blackjack game involves a progressive jackpot. This game involves adding money to a jackpot after each round. The winner takes it all home.
Poker is a card game that demands strategy and the ability to read your opponents. To hold the best potential hand of cards, you must do the maths and make wise choices.
This popular European online casino game is not purely based on skills. You need a touch of good fortune to come out on top.
There are several poker types you’ll come across at online casinos in Europe:
Texas Hold ‘em
Of all poker variations, Texas Hold ‘em is the most popular. The game's simplicity in terms of rules, gameplay, and hand-ranking all add to its appeal.
In this game, two cards are dealt face down (hole cards). Then, in three stages, 5 community cards are dealt facing up. The three stages are the Flop, Fourth Street, and Fifth Street.
Each player in this game looks forward to the best 5-card hand from the seven cards. EU players in this game have options to raise, check, fold, or call.
Seven Card Stud
Another top poker game is the Seven Card Stud. It’s also known as Down-The River and Seven-Toed Pete.
This poker variant involves 2 to 8 players. It begins with the dealer giving out two cards to each player. Each player gets two cards facing down and one card facing up.
Seven Card Stud has several mini-variants. They include Acey Ducey, Queens and After, Roll Your Own, and Baseball.
Omaha
Like Texas Hold ‘em, Omaha involves the combination of community cards and hole cards. There are four hole cards in this game. You must make a 5-card hand using 3 community cards and 2 hole cards.
There are two variations of this type of poker game – Omaha Hi/Lo and Pot Limit Omaha. In both variants, each player gets 4 hole cards.
Omaha Hi/Lo is the commonest Omaha Poker type at EU online casinos. It’s also called Omaha Better or Omaha 8 (or Eight).
Invented in Italy in the 1400s, Baccarat is a popular table game at European online casinos. This game has clear-cut rules and easy gameplay.
When playing this game, you have 3 betting options: the Banker’s hand, the Player’s hand, and Tie. The highest possible hand value in this card game is 9. A player who gets the closest hand to nine wins.
Any player of any skill level can play baccarat. However, high rollers like it. That's because it mostly involves high stakes.
This game comes with 3 major variants:
Punto Banco
The most played version of Baccarat in Europe is Punto Banco. Notably, Punto Banco is a chance-based game. So, you don’t have the upper hand to make the scale tip to your side.
Punto means player, and Banco is basically Bank. As its name suggests, in this game, players bet against the dealer.
Baccarat Chemin de Fer
One of the oldest Baccarat variants is Chemin de Fer. This game is different from other variations. Here, players bet against each other.
The minimum number of players in this game is 8, with the maximum being 12. In this game, the banker stands between the first and last gamblers.
Baccarat Banque
Also called Baccarat à Deux Tableaux, Baccarat Banque basically means Baccarat on Two Tables. That’s because it involves two conjoined tables that can accommodate 10 to 16 gamblers. The dealer sits between the two tables.
This popular European casinos online game involves 3 decks of cards. It’s different from other variants that have 6 or 8 decks of cards.
The earliest lottery ever found dates back at least 2,000 years in ancient China. The lottery was then utilized to fund large-scale government initiatives, including constructing the Great Wall of China.
In Europe, the Roman Empire hosted the oldest lottery drawings. Rich Romans would host dinner parties at the ancient Saturnalia holiday. Here, each guest would receive a lottery ticket.
Every ticket holder would get a surprise present of some kind, such as elegant cutlery or dinnerware. Notably, Augustus Caesar, the Roman Emperor, established the first lottery that sold tickets.
Lotteries are usually straightforward games. You only need to purchase a ticket and then choose random numbers for a chance to win. Notably, lotteries are purely luck-based games.
Here are some forms of casino lottery games at the best European online casinos:
Europe is home to some of the top banking options used globally. Here, we’ll look at the popular payment methods at European online casinos. Keep in mind, though, that not all popular banking methods have their headquarters in Europe.
If you desire lightning-fast deposits and smooth withdrawals, MuchBetter is the ideal option. Headquartered in London, UK, this payment method began processing payments in 2016.
MuchBetter offers over 5 different currencies. These include EUR, GBP, CHF, and PLN. A small currency conversion fee applies if you need to convert to the aforementioned currencies.
Besides English and its variants, MuchBetter supports over 15 different languages. Some of the language options you can choose at any time are:
Remarkably, this award-winning banking mobile app has a reliable customer support system. You can get in touch via live chat or email (support@muchbettter.com).
One of the most successful European-founded casino banking options is ecoPayz. This European casinos online payment method has been operating since 2000.
Initially, the UK-established payment solution offered internet money services under the name ecoCard. It underwent several rebranding and changed its name from ecoPayz to Payz in 2023.
Getting started with Payz is as easy as flipping a switch. You only need to fill in a few personal details. It takes less than 2 minutes.
The best casinos in Europe don’t charge fees for transacting with Payz. That means you get to keep most of your profits from your winnings.
With over 200 million active accounts, PayPal remains the most popular e-wallet in Europe. Plus, it’s the oldest and most reputable electronic wallet.
PayPal operates in over 45 European countries. Turkey, Macedonia, the British Virgin Islands, the Netherlands Antilles, and Suriname are the only nations not available.
Away from that, this banking option supports 25+ different currencies. These include:
The beauty of this banking option is you can make casino transactions on the go. This is thanks to its easy-to-use mobile application. You can download the app on the PlayStore or App Store.
One of the most reputable electronic wallets in Europe is Skrill. This trustworthy payment method is available in hundreds of the best European online casinos. It’s a legit method with an FCA permit.
Skrill accepts over 10 languages. About half of those language options are from Europe. They include:
Besides that, this banking option supports over 40 currencies. There are plenty of European currencies available, including the Euro, DKK, CZK, HUF, and BGN. ISK, NOK, and PLN are also on the list.
Skrill guarantees lightning-fast online casino deposits. Withdrawals are also fast, taking less than 24 hours to reflect.
Besides the European casinos online, there are hundreds of brick-and-mortar establishments in Europe. The UK alone has over 140 land-based gaming dens. Germany has about 50 of them, with Italy having 5 physical casinos.
The table below summarizes the most popular land-based casinos in Europe:
Casino | Opened | Features | Country |
Casino de Monte Carlo | 1856 | Over 145 slot machines, 20+ table games | Monaco |
Casino de Venezia | 1638 | 900+ slot machines, over 40 table games | Italy |
Casino Baden-Baden | Mid-1820s | Over 140 slot machines, 15+ table games | Germany |
Casino Estoril | 1916 | Over 1100 slot machines, 35+ table games | Portugal |
Genting International Casino | 1965 | 100+ slot machines, over 30 table games | UK |
Casino Gran Madrid | 1981 | Over 30 table games, including 25+ poker tables | Spain |
Casino Helsinki | 1991 | 20+ table games, over 300 slot machines | Finland |
Porto Carras Grand Casino | 2016 | Over 380 slot machines, 35+ table games | Greece |
Casino Wien | 1967 | 260+ slot machines, over 20 table games | Austria |
King’s Resort | 2003 | Over 40 table games, 300+ slot machines | Czech Republic |
There are 23 European countries that are not in the EU. Here, we’ll look at some of the European nations and how they regulate their gambling markets.
It is legal to gamble in the United Kingdom. Gambling has a long history in the nation and has grown to be deeply ingrained in its culture.
The UK permits a broad variety of legal gambling activities. It has one of the world's most tolerant and well-run gambling sectors.
Notably, The UK Gambling Commission oversees the regulation of the gambling sector in the country. It guarantees responsible, safe, and equitable gaming.
In the UK, internet gambling is accepted and closely controlled. The UK Gaming Commission is in charge of monitoring the internet gaming market. It ensures providers follow stringent licensing requirements.
In Switzerland, it is legal to gamble. Nonetheless, the Swiss government has strict regulations in place. This ensures that gambling is done responsibly and safely.
In 2019, Switzerland updated its gaming laws. The government implemented the Money Gaming Act. Besides establishing stricter regulations, this legislation safeguards gamblers and prevents gambling problem.
In Switzerland, it is permissible to gamble online, but only at casinos that hold a license. The Swiss government approved land-based casinos to offer their services online in June 2019. This means that in Switzerland, only brick-and-mortar casinos can provide online gambling services.
Switzerland forbids offshore gambling websites. Internet service providers (ISPs) in the country are obliged to restrict access to all offshore sites.
Undoubtedly, Norway is one of the European countries with the strictest gambling laws. The reason for this is that the government wants to prevent gambling addiction and money laundering. Also, it’s a way for the government to safeguard its financial interests.
Under the Norwegian gambling laws, only two state-run corporations are in charge of gambling in the country. These are Norsk Rikstoto and Norsk Tipping.
Norsk Rikstoto, according to the Totalisator Act of 1927, is in charge of horse racing betting. Meanwhile, Norsk Tipping, under the Gaming Act of 1992, superintends sports betting, lotteries, scratch cards, keno, and poker. The two state corporations are answerable to the Ministry of Culture, the gambling regulator in Norway.
There are no specific Norwegian gambling laws addressing online gambling. However, transacting funds between offshore gambling websites is prohibited.
The year 2020 saw the legalization of gaming in Ukraine. In August 2020, Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukrainian president, signed the Gambling Act. This ended a ten-year ban on gambling.
Online gambling is legal in the country, allowing Ukrainian players to play at the best European online casinos. To lawfully offer gaming services, operators must have valid licenses from the government.
The body that licenses gambling operators in Ukraine is the Ukrainian Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL). To get licenses, operators must meet specific requirements, such as strong security measures and financial stability.
Additionally, using a.ua domain name and storing data on servers located in Ukraine is mandatory. This makes it possible for the government to successfully monitor and control the gambling sector.
Over the years, Turkey and gambling have not gotten along well. The nation that was once home to a booming casino sector has outlawed gambling in all its manifestations. That is, excluding a handful of gaming businesses under governmental control.
Horse racing wagering was first made legal in Turkey in 1984. In 1990, casinos became lawful. Between 1990 and 1996, there were revelations regarding the illicit dealings of two well-known casino owners. It resulted in the murder of one of them, known as Casino King.
After the assassination, it wasn’t long before the government of Turkey passed a law banning all gambling. This was partially because of money laundering claims.
The law to ban all forms of gambling in Turkey came in 1998. Since then, the state strictly controls betting activities.
Compared to most other gambling laws worldwide, the regulations governing gaming in Russia are straightforward. It is evident from the laws that most gambling activities are prohibited in Russia, with few exceptions.
In 2006, Russia came up with Federal Law No. 244-FZ. This law forced online operators to shut down their operations in the country.
Despite the Federal Gambling Law, some operators continued offering gambling services as usual. Because of this, the court instructed internet service providers to block all gambling sites. Roskomnadzor, an internet service provider, had blocked over 130,000 websites by 2012.
In 2009, Russia outlawed casino gambling except in 5 designated zones. These are Kaliningrad Oblast, Krasnodar Krai, Primorsky Krai, Altai Krai, and Crimea. The reason for this was to encourage investment in these underdeveloped areas.
The administrative and spiritual hub of the Roman Catholic Church is located in Vatican City. Therefore, it’s not surprising that gambling is outlawed in this 44-hectare country. This is a result of the Catholic Church's opposition to the practice.
In Vatican City, sports betting is prohibited much like other types of gambling. The Roman Catholic Church has always argued that addiction and moral decline can result from gambling, including sports betting. For that reason, there are no bookies or betting stores inside the boundaries of this little nation.
Like other gambling activities, internet gambling is prohibited in Vatican City. The Holy See maintains tight oversight and control over the nation's internet infrastructure. As a result, it’s nearly impossible for residents and visitors to access internet gambling sites.
There is no legal gambling age that applies within the boundaries of Vatican City because gaming is completely forbidden there. Respect for the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church is demanded of both locals and guests. Regardless of age, they should abstain from all gambling-related activities.
All forms of gambling in Serbia are legal and regulated. Throughout the years, there have been many notable changes to the laws and regulations governing the Serbian gambling market.
The Law on Games of Chance is the primary piece of legislation that controls gambling in Serbia. It was passed in 2011.
To provide their services to Serbian citizens, online gambling operators must have licenses from the Serbian government. Strict standards for financial soundness, technological proficiency, and responsible gaming are part of the licensing procedure.
Like most countries in Europe, the legal gambling age in Serbia is 18 years. All online and brick-and-mortar casino operators must ensure their patrons are of legal age. This includes putting strong age verification procedures in place.
Gambling is legal in Moldova. This Eastern European nation legalized gambling in 1991 soon after gaining independence.
The gambling regulator in Moldova is the Agency for Public Services and the Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure. It oversees sports betting outlets, lottery establishments, and physical casinos in the country.
Online gambling in Moldova is also legal. Notably, the Moldovan government enacted new legislation governing the internet gaming industry in 2016. The legislation permits licensing for operators of lotteries, sportsbooks, and online casinos.
There is a gaming tax in Moldova that applies to gambling operators. The kind of gaming activity determines the tax rate. For instance, sports betting providers pay a 6% tax on turnover, whereas land-based casino operators pay a 12% tax.
Compared to most countries in Europe, Iceland has stringent laws and regulations around gambling. The nation has a long history of imposing tough rules on gaming of all kinds.
In Iceland, most gambling activities, such as playing slots and casino games, are prohibited. This is according to the Icelandic Gaming and Alcohol Act, the country’s gambling law.
However, there are some exceptions to this regulation. For example, the Act allows sports betting and lottery games under certain conditions. Notably, Íslensk Getspá/Getraunir is the only company that can offer sports betting.
There’s no specific law that oversees online gambling in the country. Also, there are no local online casinos. Since most forms of gambling are illegal in the country, it’s safe to assume online gambling is also illegal.
When choosing an online casino in Europe, don’t just go for the looks. Not all charming European casinos online are legit. Some are baby-faced scam sites.
Here are red flags that scream an online casino in Europe is not legit:
Since gambling laws vary across EU nations, there are no standard responsible gambling laws in Europe. The only exception is the guidelines by the CSR & Responsible Gaming that guide the European Lotteries Association.
The primary objectives of the CSR & Responsible Gaming standards are:
Notably, there are two well-known European regulators that oversee responsible gambling in Europe:
The first EU member state to offer services to gaming enterprises was Malta. It's one of the biggest remote gambling jurisdictions in the world right now.
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) debuted in 2001. Its goal was to oversee gambling activities within the nation. This covers both online and offline operations.
Thanks to the Malta Gaming Authority the country’s gaming market continues to thrive. Remarkably, Malta’s gambling revenue makes up 12% of the country’s GDP.
Besides issuing licenses, here are the duties of the MGA concerning responsible gambling:
Despite not being a member of the EU, the laws of the United Kingdom Gambling Commission merit attention. Also called the UKGC, this regulator is one of the strictest licensing bodies in Europe.
The Commission regulates a wide range of activities. These include sports betting, bingo, poker, and other well-known casino games.
The Commission ensures the gaming sector is in line with the following provisions of the Gambling Act of 2005:
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Most countries in Europe levy taxes on casino operators. This, in fact, is a major reason some EU nations have embraced gambling. That’s because taxes from casinos are a source of revenue for the government.
Notably, most EU nations don’t tax player winnings. Germany is a perfect example. As a German player, you keep all your winnings. However, German casinos must pay an 80% tax rate of their Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR).
By not taxing player winnings, more players will join gambling sites. This translates to profits for the European online casinos and revenue for the respective countries.
In Europe, gambling taxes go to public development projects. This includes education, healthcare, and maintenance and construction of roads.
Of note, gambling taxes in Europe vary from country to country. Some European countries charge low tax rates, encouraging more casinos in their territories.
Others charge higher tax rates which discourage casino operators from investing in those countries.
That said, here’s a country-specific breakdown of gambling taxes in Europe:
In the UK, several tax rates apply to gambling operators, including:
Online gaming companies must pay a remote gaming duty equal to 21% of their total gaming revenue.
The General Betting Duty, which is now 15% of gross gaming revenue, applies to sports betting companies
Point of Consumption Tax: Currently set at 15% of the GGR. This tax applies to foreign operators that offer gambling services to gamblers in the UK.
Gambling taxes in the UK only apply to the operators of European online casinos. Notably, all player winnings are tax-free.
Gambling taxes exist in the Netherlands. European online casinos must pay tax on their Gross Gaming Revenue. Currently, this is set at 29%.
Unlike most countries in Europe, the Netherlands does not only impose tax on casino operators. Players may also pay taxes on their winnings.
Notably, all players with winnings of over €449 on a single gaming session must pay taxes. Like casinos, a 29% tax rate applies.
The casino operator deducts the tax amount from a player’s winnings. They then submit the deductions to the Dutch tax authorities.
Winnings from gambling are taxable in Italy. The kind of gambling activity and the size of the earnings determine the precise tax rate.
For instance, there is a 20% tax on winnings from lotteries and sports betting. Meanwhile, there is a 25% tax on gains from poker and casino games.
In addition, operators must pay taxes on their total gaming income. Rates differ based on the kind of gambling.
The Italian Agency of Customs and Monopoly (ADM) is in charge of collecting gambling taxes. It also regulates the overall gaming market in Italy.
The Czech Republic, like several countries in Europe, imposes gambling taxes. In Czechia, operators must pay taxes on their GGR. The Gross Gambling Revenue (GGR) is the total wagered amount minus the winnings an operator has paid out to gamblers.
The gambling taxes in the Czech Republic vary based on the type of gaming activity. Slot machines, for example, attract a 35% Gross Gambling Revenue tax.
Lotteries and sports betting operators must pay a 23% tax on their GGR. Meanwhile, live games come with a 19% tax.
Additionally, Czechia players may also pay taxes based on their winnings. Gamblers with winnings of over CZK 1,000,000 must pay a 15% tax.
From January 2019, Swedish operators with a gambling license from the Swedish Gambling Authority must pay taxes. This, however, doesn’t apply if the operator offers gaming for public interest.
All gaming establishments in Sweden must pay an 18% tax on their proceeds from gaming. This applies to commercial online gambling and state-controlled gambling.
To pay gambling taxes, an operator must submit their valid licenses to the Swedish Tax Agency. They must then apply for an organization number by writing a letter to the Tax Agency.
If an operator fails to pay gambling taxes on time, the Tax Agency will impose interest charges. The interest rates take place from the date the operator was to pay taxes.
One of the countries in Europe that levies no gambling taxes is Finland. That means players in Finland pocket 100% of their gaming profits.
The Finnish government has not set taxes for players gambling in local gaming establishments. This also holds for those gamblers who play at European online casinos.
Feel Vegas and Casino Helsinki are the only local casinos in Finland. These brick-and-mortar gambling establishments must pay an 8.25% fee on their Gross Gambling Revenue.
Meanwhile, operators of European online casinos don’t pay taxes to the Finnish government. The government of Finland doesn’t allow online casinos in Europe to offer services to its citizens.
The government of Denmark levies taxes on the gaming sector for both operators and participants. Operators pay taxes based on their Gross Gambling Revenue.
Online gaming companies currently pay a GGR tax rate of 20%. Meanwhile, brick-and-mortar gambling houses pay a tax rate of 45-75%.
In Denmark, players' earnings from gambling are typically exempt from taxes. There are a few exclusions, though.
The earnings of a player from a gaming operator from outside of the European Union can be taxable. Professional gamblers may also need to report their income and pay taxes on their gains.
In Norway, there are no particular taxes on gaming for operators. This is so because state-owned businesses run all forms of legal gambling.
Also, lottery gamblers from Norway don’t pay any taxes on their winnings. This is regardless of whether they play local or offshore lotteries.
However, income tax applies to professional Norwegian players. That’s because the government assumes professional gambling is a form of self-employment. The taxes in this case are contingent upon the winnings and the person's total income.
Additionally, Norwegian gamblers with winnings beyond NOK 10,000 must pay a 28% tax. This includes winnings from offshore European online casinos.
In Hungary, gambling operators must pay taxes based on their Gross Gaming Revenue. The rates vary depending on the kind of gaming.
Brick-and-mortar casinos, for example, pay a 30% tax. Meanwhile, online gaming houses in Hungary pay a 30% tax if their GGR exceeds HUF 10 billion. If it’s below HUF 10 billion, a 10% tax applies.
Betting on sports comes with a 15% tax rate. Besides that, all lottery games attract a tax of 24% on the Gross Gaming Revenue.
Notably, horse race betting in Hungary is tax-free. However, online horse race betting attracts a tax of 15%.
Ireland
There have been changes in gambling taxes in Ireland. The table below summarizes tax rates over time:
Year | Tax Rate |
Until 1986 | 20% |
Until 1999 | 10% |
Until 2002 | 5% |
Until 2006 | 2% |
Current | 1% |
From the table, the tax rate has decreased over time. Consequently, Ireland's revenue from betting taxes has decreased.
The taxes apply to Irish gambling operators. There are no specific gaming taxes for online or land-based Irish players.
The legality of online casinos in Europe varies from country to country. Some EU member nations have legalized gambling. Others have partially done so, with a few banning this social activity.
Similarly, those countries that are not members of the European Union have their gambling laws. Some have legalized gambling, and others have not.
In the same tone, the taxation of gambling varies across all European countries. Some countries impose taxes on players and casino operators. Others only levy taxes on casino operators.
That said, hundreds of internet casinos accept players from Europe. The best ones include King Casino, Spinfever, and Bizzo Casino. These online gaming sites offer plenty of bonuses and games and have reliable payment methods.
The best part is that registering at the top European online casinos is as easy as riding a bicycle. The sign-up process takes a few minutes, allowing you to start your gaming sessions.
European countries have their autonomy when it comes to gambling laws, including the legalization of gambling. Most countries in Europe have legalized land-based and online gambling. For others, it’s illegal to gamble.
Hellspin, King, and Spinfever casinos are among the safest online gambling sites in Europe. These websites use the latest encryption technology to protect player data. They also have strict privacy policies that guarantee utmost confidentiality.
Yes, you can use Bitcoin to play in European online casinos. While each European country decides on the legality of virtual currencies, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are generally legal in Europe.
Casino di Campione is the largest land-based casino in Europe. This 600,000-square-foot gambling establishment has over 500 slot machines. You can also enjoy over 55 table games, including blackjack and baccarat.
Yes, players from the UK can access offshore European online casinos. There’s no gambling law in the UK that prohibits online gaming outside the country.
The Malta Gaming Authority regulates most online casinos in Europe. However, European countries that have legalized gambling have their regulatory gaming bodies. In the UK, for example, the UKGC regulates online casinos.
Yes, there are plenty of bonus offers in European online casinos. They include welcome offers, cashback, reload bonuses, and VIP programs.