Online gambling regulations in 2025
7 min read
Key Highlights
In this blog post we cover the following topics:
- An improved iGaming ecosystem
- Europe: striving for standardisation
- EU approach to responsible gambling
- iGaming trends shaping the future
Global online gambling regulations are evolving at a very fast pace in 2025.
As a player, it is important to understand and respect the regulations of the country you are playing in. While these rules may seem complex, we have simplified them into easy-to-follow insights to help guide you.
The year 2025 has been marked by the accelerated pace with which global online gambling regulations have been evolving.
Our aim in creating these easy-to-follow insights is not only to simplify things for you, but also to ensure you gain a solid understanding of the regulations in the country where you are playing - something we consider essential, and a definite added bonus.
While the introduction of EU-wide online gambling standards has helped in streamlining licensing processes, this evolution has brought about deeper scrutiny with higher expectations from the authorities expecting to find systems in place to ensure strong player protection.
Right now, significant transformations of regulatory frameworks are ongoing across Europe and the United States. This highly complex web of new rules, regulations, and expectations is all encompassing - from stricter consumer protection to the cautious expansion of the legal markets.
An improved iGaming ecosystem
This new and improved iGaming ecosystem has strengthened maturity, security, and responsibility as an overarching theme. Given this fast-changing scenario, stepped up agility and foresight across the board - from operators to players has become a necessity and not just a preferred option.
With trust being at the core of these changes, operators will find that while this complexity can come across as a new burden, it should pave the way for enhanced business success possibilities, with compliance enhancing their competitive edge.
For players it is essential to ensure that the online casino platform you are using is licensed and abides by the regulations of your jurisdiction. Not doing so can lead to penalties, including being barred from certain platforms.
Europe: striving for standardisation
Europe is seeing a push towards greater harmonisation, even though individual countries continue to maintain their unique nuances. While the EU guides regulations, it leaves it up to the individual EU Member States to regulate their gambling industries.
Different EU Member States have different laws and regulations in place, making it critical for both businesses and players to be aware of these rules.
Although there is no EU-wide legislation for online gambling at present, the EU does exert influence through court decisions and policy recommendations. The focus is firmly on consumer protection and combating the black market.
EU approach to responsible gambling
The EU does not have a unified law for gambling services – instead, each EU Member State is autonomous in organising its gambling services. The types of games allowed on the internet can vary from one EU country to another. Some countries allow all games, while others only allow certain types, such as betting, poker, or online casino games.
The European Commission supports EU countries’ efforts to modernise their national online gambling legal frameworks. The European Commission is also responsible for ensuring high protection for consumers and vulnerable people, including minors.
A significant new piece of legislation, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) comes into full effect by June 28, 2025. Digital services, including online gambling sites, must be accessible to users with disabilities. Payment systems, user accounts, and customer service tools must be designed for universal access.
This represents a considerable compliance undertaking for operators.
The Digital Services Act (DSA) and the EU’s AI Act
The Digital Services Act (DSA) demands active monitoring of user-generated content in features like live chats, and transparent advertising.
The EU’s AI Act, adopted in 2024, permits gambling companies to use AI for fraud detection, player behaviour tracking, and tailored recommendations, but requires operators to be transparent about how these systems are used.
Germany’s evaluation:
In Germany, online gambling is partially legal, with strict licensing requirements. Key discussions revolve around advertising restrictions and the attractiveness of the regulated market. The outcomes of European Court of Justice decisions on player claims against unlicensed operators are highly anticipated, potentially providing legal clarity and impacting thousands of claims.
France’s cautious approach:
France, traditionally resistant to online casino legalisation, is seeing significant discussions in 2025. While proposed amendments to its 2025 Budget that would have legislated an online casino market have been withdrawn, the conversation is far from over. There is a strong push to regulate online casinos to combat the thriving underground market, increase tax revenue, and implement better consumer protections.
Malta's enduring role:
Malta was the first EU Member State to regulate online gambling, and it operates under a strong legal framework. In 2025, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is expected to introduce EU-wide licensing standards, further simplifying cross-border operations while maintaining high standards of fairness and integrity.
Online gambling regulations in Europe in 2025
Country regulations and status
Austria
Online gambling is largely monopolised, with limited options for private operators.
Belgium
Online gambling is legal, but operators must partner with land-based casinos.
Bulgaria
Online gambling is legal. There is no specific licensing system, but operators can obtain a license from another EU country.
Croatia
Legal and regulated, with licenses available for online casino operators.
Cyprus
Online casino games are illegal, except for sports betting.
Czech Republic
Legal and regulated. Foreign operators need a local entity to obtain a license.
Denmark
Fully regulated market. Online gambling is legal with a licensing system in place.
Estonia
Legal and regulated. Operators require a license and must comply with local laws.
Finland
Only state-owned entities are allowed to offer gambling services.
France
Online casinos are illegal, but sports betting and poker are legal.
Germany
Online gambling is partially legal with strict licensing requirements in place.
Greece
Legal and regulated, with licenses issued to both local and foreign operators.
Hungary
Only state-controlled organisations can operate online casinos.
Ireland
Online gambling is legal. There is no specific licensing system in Ireland, but operators can obtain a license from another EU country.
Italy
Online gambling is legal. Operators must obtain a license from the Italian authorities.
Latvia
Legal and regulated. Operators need a license from the Latvian authorities.
Lithuania
Online gambling is legal with a licensing system in place.
Luxembourg
Online casino gambling is illegal.
Malta
A hub for online gambling. The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) regulates and licenses all forms of gambling, including online casinos.
Netherlands
Online gambling became legal and regulated in 2021. The Netherlands have a licensing system for operators.
Poland
Online gambling is partially legal with stringent regulations.
Portugal
Legal and regulated. A license is required from the Portuguese authorities.
Romania
Legal and regulated. Romania has a licensing system for operators.
Slovakia
Legal and regulated. Online casino licenses are available.
Slovenia
Online gambling is largely illegal, with few exceptions.
Spain
Legal and regulated. Operators must obtain a license from the Spanish authorities.
Sweden
Online gambling is legal and regulated. Sweden has a licensing system in place.
United Kingdom
The UK has a highly regulated market with a licensing system in place.
The United Kingdom: a regulated market
Any business offering remote gambling services such as online casinos, sports betting, or bingo to players in Great Britain (England, Wales, and Scotland) must obtain an operating licence from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).
The United States: a gradual expansion
The US online gambling landscape remains a patchwork of state-by-state regulations.
While sports betting has seen rapid expansion, online casino legalisation is progressing at a slower pace. The emphasis for new legislation is on consumer protection and responsible gambling.
Key US state-level developments
Virginia is actively considering legalising online gambling in 2025. A Senate Bill proposes allowing existing brick-and-mortar casinos to apply for online casino licenses.
Maryland is another state to watch, with a bill reintroduced to regulate online gambling under the Maryland State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission. This bill aims to allow existing sports betting operators to apply for online casino licenses.
Both Wyoming and Indiana are considering iGaming legislation in 2025. Wyoming's proposed bill includes licensing fees, and strict consumer protections such as geolocation systems. Indiana's bill also outlines a detailed framework for online gambling, including taxation and the establishment of a responsible gambling programme.
Despite being the gambling capital of the United States, Nevada (including Las Vegas) does NOT have legal, regulated real-money online casinos.
Here is a breakdown of the situation in Nevada:
Online poker is legal: Nevada was a pioneer in legalising online poker back in 2013. You can play real-money online poker.
Online sports betting is legal: Nevada also allows online sports betting, and in fact, was the first state to offer mobile sports betting.
No online casinos: This is the key point. The laws that brought online poker to Nevada did not extend to full-fledged online casino games like slots, blackjack, and roulette.
The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) regulates all gambling in the state, but they have not licensed any online casino operators. The primary reason often cited is the state's strong interest in protecting its vibrant land-based casino industry.
Despite the momentum, iGaming expansion in the US faces significant hurdles.
Concerns about the impact on land-based casinos and the risks of gambling addiction, especially with the ease of access through mobile devices, remain strong.
Legislators are treading carefully, with many states taking a "wait and see" approach. Across the US, new legislation is emphasising responsible gambling measures. This includes requiring platforms to provide tools for players to set limits, self-exclude, and prominently display helplines.
iGaming trends shaping the future
Several trends are shaping the iGaming regulatory landscape in 2025:
Prioritising consumer protection
Consumer protection remains the top priority across the industry.
Expect stricter age verification measures, improved self-exclusion tools, clearer bonus terms, and greater transparency in advertising.
The overarching aim is to foster a more secure environment for all players.
Combatting the black market
Regulated markets are stepping up efforts to make legal platforms more appealing and secure than their unregulated counterparts. This means enhancing the user experience while maintaining reasonable safeguards.
AI and Machine Learning
While offering potential for personalisation and fraud detection, AI's use in iGaming is under scrutiny, requiring transparency and responsible implementation.
Blockchain and cryptocurrency
The growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies in transactions is prompting regulators to consider how to oversee these decentralised technologies to ensure security and prevent illicit activities.
Data privacy
The collection of vast amounts of personal and financial data by online casino platforms is leading to increased scrutiny on data privacy concerns. Regulations are addressing issues such as cybersecurity breaches, emphasising the need for data protection measures.
Concluding thoughts
2025 is shaping up to be a transformative year for the online gambling industry.
This involves a transition from an era of rapid, unregulated growth towards a more mature and responsible approach focused on player protection. The industry is moving towards a more responsible model that prioritises player well-being.
While this regulatory shift may impose more operational demands on operators, those that are willing to adapt will survive and succeed in this ever-evolving industry.
Although this shift brings increased operational demands, it also strengthens player trust and lays the groundwork for long-term sustainability. Ultimately, these changes are guiding the online gambling industry toward a more secure and resilient future.