Online gambling and casinos have always been an underground activity in the past, with most of the Western EU regulations preventing many casinos from operating legally. However, in the past couple of years, gambling revenue has increased by 8%, and there is a good reason for that: the law has changed.
These changes were driven by various factors, including technological advancements, revenue considerations, and social responsibility. With the rise of iGaming platforms, many countries in Western Europe have been forced to rethink their regulations to promote responsible gaming. This article will review some essential adjustments that caused a shift in the EU gambling market.
What Does the Law in Western EU Look Like?
The laws in Western Europe can vary quite a bit in different European countries, but there is one thing that most have in common: licensing and regulations. Gambling operators need to adhere to rules set by authority bodies such as the UK Gambling Commission or the General Gambling Authority of Germany.
Once that has been set, European countries are typically allowed most forms of gambling. This includes land-based casinos, online gambling, and national lotteries (which are expected to grow even more in the next few years). These regulations were made following most Western European laws, especially as online gambling has become a common occurrence.
Key Changes in Western European Gambling Laws
While the law has remained quite steady in the past couple of years, the growing popularity of online gambling did prompt a series of changes. Below is what happened to the law in Major Western European countries:
United Kingdom
Over the years, gambling in the UK has been regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, with its regulations already quite strict in terms of operators. However, with the increasing concern about gambling addiction, the UK introduced in 2019 the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms. This is meant to be an extension of the 2014 Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act, adding even stricter rules for its operators. This included rigorous checks, advertising restrictions, and affordability assessments to reduce gambling-related harm to its users.
Germany
Germany has been known to have the strictest gambling laws, but that has changed over the past couple of years. With the introduction of the State Treaty on Gambling (Glücksspielstaatsvertrag), online casinos have now become legal in all of its regions. Indeed, there are certain restrictions out there, such as monthly deposit caps and strict player monitoring, but the regulations now permit casinos to get a national license. This means that the risks of players engaging in unsafe and unlicensed casino gambling are lower, protecting their gambling activities.
Spain
Just like Germany, Spain also focused on gambling activity, specifically the advertising section. With the emergence of the Royal Decree of Advertising in 2021, Spain has placed significant restrictions on how gambling is advertised. While operators can still promote their business on radio, TV, and online, they are limited to the early hours of the day. They are also not allowed to have their content advertised in sports unless it is on online ads available to international audiences.
France
France has seen a couple of regulations for the online gambling sector, especially since the 2010 Gambling Act came into action. With this act, residents of France can engage in online sports betting and enter the poker markets at almost every casino. With the new regulations, player protection has also been emphasized, introducing numerous responsible online gambling tools.
Italy
Online poker has been legalized in Italy since 2009 – from that point, the gambling laws have gone through multiple regulations. Casino activity there is regulated by the Italian Gambling Authority (ADM), which underwent a lot of changes to maintain strict standards. Identity verification has become mandatory for players, and providers are also required to enhance transparency. With the introduction of the 2018 “Dignity Decree,” advertising and sponsorship have also been significantly limited.
Ireland
Ireland has previously been under the reform of the Gambling Control Act of 2013, which attempted to modernize the gambling industry. With the introduction of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, online and land-based casinos have been forced to adhere to specific responsible gambling compliance regulations. The aim was to create a better environment for bettors to safely bypass a potential gambling problem.
The world of gambling has undergone numerous important changes, especially in Western Europe. Casino operators are required to respect these laws so that they can maintain safe standards for their users. It is important to note that regulation changes are still in check, especially for advertising purposes. Still, players can now easily access a casino while being in accordance with the law. This ensures the safety of their personal and financial data.
Explore new topics and discover content that's right for you!
News