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What's Hot & Trending on the EU gambling market in 2025
Europe continues to serve as the global epicentre of locally licensed online gambling, consistently acting as the primary addressable market and operational hub for most online operators and suppliers worldwide. Regulated revenue growth has remained steady, driven by the ongoing transition of markets from grey to fully regulated, the migration of gambling activity from land-based venues to online platforms, and the shift from desktop to mobile usage. In the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) region, regulated online gambling revenue is projected to reach €5.98 billion by 2026 - an increase of approximately €2 billion, or 50 per cent, from 2022.
“According to forecasts contained in VIXIO Gambling Compliance’s new European Online Forecasting Dashboard, overall European online growth will continue to trend in the mid-to-high single-digits in the medium term, with regulated GGR, projected to climb at a compound annual rate of 7.6 per cent to €37.3bn in 2026.”
Keep reading to learn more about key trends that characterise the EU gambling market:
Sports & Esports betting
One of the key trends in the European online gambling market, according to Statista report, is the increasing popularity of sports betting. It is experiencing significant growth, driven by technological advancements and evolving consumer interests. Football is one of the most popular sports in the EU and one of the top sports to bet on. The UEFA Championship League is one of the most followed and admired sports competitions and many countries in the EU - England, Germany, France, Netherlands to name a few - take part.
The Six Nations Rugby Championship League is another popular competition in the EU, and the teams of England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, France, and Italy participate.
In other countries such as Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland, winter sports are more popular, and many people bet on them during wintertime. These might include skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and hockey.
Top Tip: Check out our guide on calculating sports odds to learn more about online sports betting and understand the odds and what they mean for your winnings.
All these sports are stretched out in the digital world as fantasy sports or esports. They are much more accessible to stretched - people can play them themselves and, since not so long ago, bet on esports at online casinos. However, esports are not based only on real sports. Some are based on video games such as Counter-Strike, which became the top choice among eSports bettors in 2023. People also bet on popular video games such as Dota 2, Call of Duty and League of Legends. Esports is now one of the biggest betting markets in the gambling world.
Preferred gambling products
According to the latest EGBA report (European Gambling Market - Key Figures 2025 Edition), there is a clear difference in product use between online and land-based gambling:
- The lottery was the most significant overall product, with revenue of €38 billion. It had a strong land-based presence (€30.9 billion) compared to an online presence (€7.1 billion).
- Casino games (€30 billion total) showed the opposite pattern - predominantly online (€21.5 billion) compared to land-based (€8.5 billion).
- Sports and events betting (€20.1 billion) also showed a predominance of online activity (€13.7 billion).
Land-based gambling is still stable and popular. However, player preferences give an advantage in mobile gameplay - mobile devices dominate the online gambling landscape, generating 58% of online revenue in 2024, up from 56% in 2023 (Source: EGBA).
What’s next?
The EU gambling and casino market is constantly evolving according to consumer needs. Customers are increasingly embracing online gambling as a convenient and readily accessible form of entertainment. The widespread adoption of smartphones, coupled with the availability of high-speed internet, has significantly enhanced the ease of accessing online gambling platforms anytime and from any location. Implementing AI tools for custom player experience further enhances user experience and attracts players.
Furthermore, younger demographics are more willing to explore new entertainment formats, including online gambling and esports betting, further driving the market’s growth.
Online gambling regulations in EU Countries
All trusted casino sites are generally regulated well by licensers. This means that players will have recourse should they have any complaints that may arise. Generally, EU casinos are well run, as they are scrutinised by local regulating authorities to ensure they offer top-notch services, smooth software, and abide by acceptable business ethics. The regulator has the protection of the public at heart.
The top 3 licences that power EU online casinos include the following:
The leading licenser in the European Union is the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), a benchmark regulator on the international online gambling stage. Along with the UK Gambling Commission (which is not officially part of the EU), they ensure that European online casinos are held to the highest industry standard. As well as the Curacao licence which is to some degree controversial but still used across many trusted EU gambling sites.
A license held by one of these three prime establishments ensures that you are in good hands and can concentrate more on the entertainment you receive than worrying about whether your money and other sensitive information are at risk.
CasinoWow Tip: For more information and to see what changes are expected in the future, read our guide on gambling laws in Europe. It gives an overview of regulations in several countries as well as where winnings are taxable.
Other gambling regulatory authorities across Europe:
Gibraltar Gambling Commission – The GGC is a respected authority that licenses and regulates various online casinos and gambling operations within its jurisdiction.
Belgian Gaming Commission – The BGC regulates all online and land-based gaming activity. Ensuring licensees are compliant with legislation and consumer protection requirements.
Danish Gambling Authority – The DGA regulates gambling in Denmark and implements legislation. It grants licences to both online betting and online casino operators.
Directorate General for Gambling Regulation in Spain – The DGOJ regulates all forms of land-based and online gambling, ensuring operators are compliant.
Alderney Gambling Control Commission – The AGCC is an independent commission that remotely regulates various online gambling activities in Alderney.
Jersey Gambling Commission – The JGC licenses and regulates all forms of gambling in Jersey, including remote gambling, land-based gambling, and social and charitable gaming.
These regulators are responsible for ensuring secure gaming fairly and responsibly. The main objective is to protect consumers and ensure their gaming is safe, fair, and secure. When you choose a casino, check if the operator has one of those licenses and is regulated. Seeing those regulator names will ensure you are on a safe casino site.
Regulated markets have their niceties, and learning more about each market is important. Here are a few of the most important regulation facts in EU countries you need to know:
Ireland
Some recent changes in gambling regulations in this region include enacting the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. It establishes the GRAI (Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland), responsible for licensing and regulations. Operators must apply for licensing. There are also gambling advertising time restrictions, a national gambling exclusion register, and a social impact fund. Some hits to the industry include a ban on free bets, other special promotions, and a stake-and-win limit.
Sweden
The Swedish Gambling Authority regulates gambling in Sweden. The key laws are the Swedish Gambling Act 2018:1138 and the Swedish Gambling Tax Act 2018:1139. Ads are strictly regulated, and online gambling is only legal if provided by licensed operators.
Norway
Gambling is licensed and regulated by the Norwegian Gaming and Foundation Authority under the Gaming Scheme Act and Gaming Scheme Regulation of 2022. There are still some heavy restrictions and state-owned monopolies in the industry. Potential reforms that could address the challenges currently experienced within the industry are anticipated.
Finland
Gaming is regulated under the Lotteries Act and Gambling Act, with licensing and oversight by the Finnish Gaming Authority. Online gambling is legal, but only with licensed operators.
Germany
In Germany, all states have separate regulators, and gambling laws all fall under the Interstate Treaty on Gambling. All gaming activity is legal under licensed operators, and strict advertising legislation is in place.
Iceland
The Icelandic Gambling Authority regulates gaming activity, and the key laws are the Gambling Act 2010 and the Lottery Act 1995. Licensing is a requirement for legal gaming activity, and strict legislation ensures that advertising does not target the wrong markets.
Top Tip: For more detailed information on regulations in every country, please have a look at our Country Regulation Guides. We list full information for each country and update it regularly as changes occur.
Characteristics of the Best EU Online Casinos
Europa casinos offer to bet in your European currency. Aside from accepting the ‘all famous’ and widely used Euro currency, many top casinos will also accept SEK, NOK, CHF, and others. This is handy, as the last thing a player wants to do is worry about calculating foreign currency when depositing and cashing out. Knowing how much you are wagering on every hand or spin is vital to maintaining good bankroll management.
Another great thing about currencies in the EU is that most casino sites operate in both fiat and cryptocurrencies or even as only crypto casinos. This provides great opportunities for players who seek crypto games and want to make the most of their gaming experience online.
Below are listed some of the best EU online casinos that provide players with a range of currencies to play with, are trustworthy and offer a diverse selection of casino games:
Enter Lucky 31 for top-notch entertainment with 3,000+ casino games, enticing promotions, and secure payment methods.
LV BET Casino is focussed on efficient customer support and a healthy games selection to keep you coming back for more.
Play over 4,000 games, grab exciting bonuses, and try your hand at the Wheel of Jackpots for progressive wins while playing at Videoslots Casino.
BitStarz is a top-rated online casino founded in 2014, offering Bitcoin and regular money betting on over 6,000 games.
Casumo Casino is all about fun and feeling free while enjoying the casino games you know and love.
Checklist for choosing the best EU online casino
Here is a quick list for you to see and choose a reliable online casino:
- Licensing & Regulation: Make sure that the casino has a license from one of the leading regulators in the EU, such as MGA, SGA, or UKGC.
- Payment and game providers: Reputable online casinos, depending on the country, offer players the top payment and software providers. These providers must also be licensed, so if the casino has them, it means it is legit.
- Responsible Gambling: All trustworthy casinos provide players with deposit and time limits, self-exclusion, and other responsible gambling tools.
- Customer Support: Top casinos offer customer support via Live Chat and email in several different languages. Look for a casino that can provide support in your local language.
At CasinoWow, we strongly support players' best interests, so we conduct an extensive review process for each casino on our website. You can also look at our list of blacklisted casino sites and how to recognise an untrustworthy casino.
We also must mention that plating at EU online casinos has pros and cons. As with anything else, when choosing an online casino to try your luck, you need to consider a few factors. So, here is one more tip from us!
Pros and Cons of playing at EU online casinos
Advantages
- Strict regulation and licensing from UKGC, MGA, etc.
- The wide game ranges from top software providers
- Trusted payment methods, instant deposits, and fast withdrawals
- Generous welcome bonuses and loyalty programs
Disadvantages
- The verification process can be lengthy
- Wins are taxed in some EU countries
- Credit/Debit cards banned for betting in a few countries
European online casinos vs international online casinos
Have you ever wondered how EU online casinos differ from international online casinos? Here’s a quick comparison guide to the different betting platforms and what they offer:
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| European Online Casinos | International Online Casinos |
| Stricter Regulation (MGA, UKGC, Curacao). | Levels of regulation and oversight vary based on the different international authorities. |
| Slots, Table Games, Live Dealer Games, Poker and more. | It has the same variety, but the offering differs in every region. |
| Welcome Bonuses, Free Spins, Loyalty Programs, etc. | Welcome Bonuses, Free Spins, Loyalty offers and more. Terms vary based on region. |
| Credit/Debit Cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, cryptocurrency. | It can vary from all the different options to a limited selection. |
| Multi-lingual customer support is available via email, live chat, and phone. | Quality and options vary based on the casino. |
| Different regulations in each EU country. | Security measures vary. |
| Accessible to EU players (localised websites). | Potential location-based restrictions. |
Crypto Casinos
Cryptocurrencies are becoming increasingly popular in all areas of life, including online gambling. In Europe, the legality of crypto casinos depends on every member state, as there is no unified crypto gambling regulation. Playing with cryptocurrencies is generally considered legal in the EU, but players should stay cautious and look after their safety regarding cryptocurrencies.
Top Tip: Read the ultimate crypto guide for beginners to learn more about crypto, how to use it, and the best crypto and hybrid casinos on the market.
Advantages of Crypto Casinos
Crypto and hybrid casinos have few advantages compared to pure fiat casinos:
- Fast withdrawals: Crypto transactions can be processed more quickly, allowing faster access to winnings.
- Enhanced Privacy: Cryptocurrencies provide users with greater anonymity than conventional payment methods.
- Reduced Transaction Fees: Transactions conducted with cryptocurrencies often incur lower fees.
Considerations for Players
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure the platform operates under a reputable license and adheres to local regulations.
- Security Measures: Verify that the casino employs robust security protocols to protect user data and funds.
- Game Fairness: Look for platforms that offer provably fair games and transparent operations.
If a member state allows online gambling and cryptocurrencies are legal, there are no restrictions on casino operators accepting bets and paying winnings in cryptocurrency. You must follow the latest EU regulations about cryptocurrencies and gambling in specific countries for more details.
Casino Banking Tips
Online casino gambling is an industry focused on transacting money to and from players and the casino’s accounts. Good European casinos will, therefore, offer a variety of banking methods to both load and withdraw funds to and from the casino. This is important, especially in European countries such as Norway, where the government has outlawed banks from transacting funds to and from online gambling institutions.
Norwegians need to use third-party methods to fund their casino profiles or wallets. As such, several different types of payment methods are available at online casinos.
Some of the more popular ones include:
Instant Transfer Services
Some third-party companies will front you the funds to make deposits at a casino immediately while waiting for your bank to fund them in a day or two. This means you will not have to wait for EFTs to clear before the casino makes the cash available on your profile. The more popular Instant transfer service providers include SOFORT Banking (huge in Germany) and Trustly.
Pre-paid cards
One of the leaders and more popular versions of pre-paid cards accepted at casinos is Paysafecard. These can be purchased and topped up at many retailers across Europe. To redeem your funds, select the service under ‘bank’ on the casino web page and enter the voucher number.
In addition to these popular ways of transacting, all casinos offer standard bank transfer options, as well as the ever-popular credit card payment and withdrawal options. These more familiar methods can be expensive, but they are popular because of their ease of use.
For EU players, crypto casinos have become not just an additional channel of betting but also a potential source of income and investment. Crypto has quickly become quite popular, and cryptocurrencies are among the payment methods offered by the best European casinos. Some cryptos you can expect to see include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, USDT, Dogecoin and more.
Other popular banking methods in EU casinos include Boku, EcoPayz, Euteller, MasterCard, Neosurf, Neteller, PaysafeCard, Skrill, SoFort, Visa, and Zimpler.
For more details on the payment methods, you can check out our guide on the top casino banking payment methods by country.
With such a wide range of payment methods, players can wager using a method they are comfortable with. It allows for the safe transfer of funds to and from your account, as well as depositing and withdrawing with payment methods that offer instant deposits, fast withdrawals, and little to no fees.
CasinoWow Tip: Always read the fine print! Ensure you are familiar with the payment options and how the transactions work. Read all options and choose the one payment method you think is safe, and you won't have to worry about your money.
Popular casino games in EU countries
Wonder what type of games steal the spotlight among European countries? We have all the details here:
| Country | Online Slots | Roulette | Blackjack | Poker |
| United Kingdom | X | X | X | |
| Germany | X | X | X | |
| France | X | X | X | |
| Spain | X | X | X | |
| Italy | X | X | X | |
| Netherlands |
X | X | X | |
| Portugal | X | X | X | |
| Poland | X | X | X | |
| Malta | X | X | X | |
| Austria | X | X | X | |
| Norway | X | X | X | X |
While there are different types of games available in these regions, slots and table games steal the spotlight. With their bonus features, different themes, and designs, it’s easy to see why game-of-chance-type games like slots steal the show. And let’s not forget the skill and strategy of table games.
EU Casino Bonuses
As a player in EU regions like Ireland, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, your gameplay is boosted by various bonuses and promotions. Online casinos usually offer players welcome bonuses based on the country, which might differ. So, a player in Finland might be provided a welcome bonus different from that of a player from Ireland. Here’s a quick overview of the various promotions that EU casino players can enjoy.
- Welcome Bonuses: In the form of a deposit match bonus and free spins on specific slot games.
- No Deposit Bonuses: Often, a small amount of free cash with no deposit is required.
- Reload Bonus: Following the welcome bonus, there’s a deposit match for existing players of 50%.
- Loyalty Programs: Collect points and benefit from exclusive cashback, free spins and other bonuses that increase with the different VIP levels.
CasinoWow Special: We offer our readers exclusive bonuses you can not find anywhere else. Various casinos supply them and are only for our readers. These bonuses could go a long way to settling you into a new casino environment. It's always easier on your nerves when experimenting with new casinos you are unfamiliar with.
Responsible Gambling
Responsible Gambling in the European Union (EU) is important to gambling regulation. Due to the EU’s principle of subsidiarity, gambling regulation is primarily the responsibility of individual Member States, leading to diverse national frameworks. However, common principles and collaborative efforts across the EU shape responsible gambling practices.
✅ Player Protection
Many EU countries have mandatory age verification processes to prevent minors from gambling. In most countries, gambling is legally allowed for 18+. But in some countries, the age minimum is even higher - in Belgium, Netherlands and Estonia, you must be 21+ to play in a casino.
Operators must allow players to self-exclude or set limits on their deposits, losses, and play session duration. All information about odds, risks, and rules must be clearly stated.
Governments and operators must organise campaigns to promote public awareness about gambling risks and available help resources. Many countries require operators to contribute to research and treatment programs for gambling addiction.
✅ EU Regulatory Guidelines
Responsible gambling measures must comply with GDPR, ensuring players' data is processed lawfully, transparently, and securely. While the EU does not harmonise gambling laws, it promotes cooperation between Member States. The European Commission published recommendations on consumer protection in online gambling. They also support cross-border collaboration to tackle illegal gambling and share best practices.
Another vital organisation in the EU is the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA). It is a Brussels-based trade association representing top online gambling operators licensed and regulated within the EU. EGBA works with national and EU authorities to create a well-regulated online gambling market that provides high consumer protection and considers online consumer demand. EGBA members meet the highest regulatory standards and possess 267 online gambling licenses to serve 32.5 million customers across 22 European countries. They represent approximately one-third of Europe’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) for online gambling.
✅ National Examples of Responsible Gambling
Few countries in the EU stand out as leaders in Responsible Gambling and the protection of players.
- UK - Strict regulatory oversight by the Gambling Commission. Mandatory self-exclusion (GAMSTOP) and affordability checks.
- Spain - Restrictions on advertising and sponsorship. Programs to promote responsible gambling, especially in digital environments.
- Sweden - Licensed operators must integrate responsible gambling tools. Spelpaus, a nationwide self-exclusion registry, is mandatory.
- Germany - The Interstate Treaty on Gambling requires central player databases to monitor behaviour and prevent excessive gambling.
We at CasinoWow are passionate about Responsible Gambling and want to provide the best possible information and guides on this topic. Please see our dedicated Play Safe Guides section and our Responsible Gambling page for further details.
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EU Online Casinos Summary
CasinoWow considers your needs when selecting the best casinos to service European players. We ensure that the environment offered by our recommended online casinos is world-class, safe, and friendly.
We partner with casino brands that not only talk the talk but walk it as well. This means that you can be assured of receiving fair and fast payouts with minimal fees and caps. So, please give one of our top EU online casinos a try.
Disclaimer: Please remember that we are not providing legal counsel and that gambling regulations vary between EU countries. Always follow the laws of the local country so you are fully informed.
We provided useful information about the EU online gambling market, including popular payments, most played games, and what currencies you can use. If you think something can be added or have any other questions on the topic, please feel free to contact us, and we will gladly discuss it with you.
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