The European gambling market is predicted to generate 126.3 billion euros in revenue by 2026, reflecting the popularity of gambling and betting in Europe. Each EU member state has the autonomy to regulate its own gaming services, but must comply with general provisions outlined in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, such as responsible gambling policies and protection of customer privacy. Some countries in Europe, like Portugal, Sweden, and Finland, have monopolistic regimes for online gaming services, while the UK has regulators like GamStop.
In France, most forms of betting and gaming are legal, with licenses required for online poker games, online horse racing, and online sports betting. Casino games are classified as highly addictive, leading to restrictions on casino games and exchange and spread betting. Germany has complex gaming regulations, with a ban on online betting sites except for horse race betting. The Netherlands broke its gaming monopoly in 2020 with the Remote Gambling Bill, allowing foreign gaming companies to invest in the country and offering licenses for remote games of chance.
The European gambling industry is regulated by national policies, leading to differences in rules and policy divergence among member countries. Inconsistencies in gambling laws can expose citizens to various regulations that may not protect their interests or limit their rights to gamble. Despite the benefits of national autonomy in regulating gambling, such as tailoring laws to meet the needs of each country, there are drawbacks to the lack of a unified framework for the EU.
