The European gambling market is among the best-developed ones with new casinos emerging every other day. Still, the large variety of online casinos is a blessing and a curse, as along with the legit sites there are scam casinos that will leave you disappointed and empty-pocketed.
Clearly, the popularity of online casinos in the EU is due to their convenience. That is not to say that retail casinos don’t have their own share of the market.
Nonetheless, online gambling in European countries has had steady growth. It’s an easier way to enjoy games from leading software providers.
If you’re looking to gamble at online casinos in Europe, we wrote this piece specifically for you. Get to learn more about the best online casinos in the EU and how to sign-up and wager. Let’s roll!
In recent years, gambling has become a topic of controversy in several countries. For the most part, it’s because the leisure activity is now available online.
Countries in Europe are unified by a single bloc known as the European Union. Based on the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), the bloc is top-rated in virtual entertainment. In fact, it is currently responsible for 48% of the global online gaming market.
That said, the European Union does not have any regulation standardizing gaming and betting on the continent. Each country has its laws on the same.
Some of them currently allow just a few forms of games of chance. Therefore, some will allow all online casino games while others will have only poker and sports betting.
The EU supports member states’ decision to upgrade their online gambling legal frameworks. Even so, the bloc ensures high-quality protection of players and minors alike.
The European Union law addresses several critical issues associated with iGaming. In 2017, the Union updated the infringement regulations. This changed how e-gaming complaints were treated forthwith.
When all is said and done, one law remains common within the EU. This is the KYC (Know Your Customer) requirement in iGaming.
Every gambler must undergo proper identity checks. The European Union made sure of this to curb money laundering and financial fraud.
In most member states, the iGaming space is open to all operators who qualify for licenses. However, some countries prohibit all casinos save for state-owned gaming sites.
In the infographic bellow we’ve tried to highlight the EU gambling license issuers per country.
Let’s look at some iGaming hotspots in Europe and when online gambling became legal.
The United Kingdom
The country is known to be the strictest and most-respected jurisdiction in iGaming. It’s one of the thriving online gambling hotspots, having legalized it in 2005.
Here, casino operators must obtain licensing from the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC). Additionally, only 18-year-olds and above can wager legally.
In this sun-scorched EU member state, both online and location-based gambling are legal. The industry is still relatively new, but it’s growing rapidly.
Online gaming came under legal scrutiny in 2004. Any casino seeking to operate within this island must first acquire a license from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA).
Until 2010, Italy prohibited online gambling. Only two gambling sites run by national sports and racing organizations were operational.
Further, only AAMS, a licensing committee by the government, can issue licenses. The body is also tasked with foreseeing responsible gambling in the state.
Germany
Over the years, Germany has altered its stance on online gambling. The country prohibits most types of iGaming. Players in the country are however free to make wagers at offshore gambling sites.
Most forms of iGaming are legal in France. Licenses are however issued based on the e-gaming service rendered.
Best Eu casinos available in France:
1Red casino
AmunRa casino
Neon54
King casino
Pribet
Sweden
Online casinos are really popular in Sweden. However their local regulator recently put very tight limits on bonuses, maximum bet. This made Swedish players look for foreign licensed casinos like EU, MGA or Curacao licensed casinos.
Here are some of the best casinos licensed in Europe accepting Swedish players:
Rabidi N.V. casinos have held EU players in buzz because of their unique offerings. One of them is Spinanga. It boasts a portfolio of over 1000 games and a comprehensive sportsbook section. There are slots, table games, poker, live games, and crash games. Slots are the majority here.
In its payment section, Spinanga Casino boasts an extensive selection, resonating with most European gamblers. Players can use Visa, Interac, eZeeBetOnRedWallet, and cryptos.
The minimum deposit and withdrawal amount is €10. The maximum deposit amount is not specified but often varies with your payment processor. That said, you cannot cash out anything beyond €500 daily and €7000 monthly unless you are a VIP member.
Curacao eGaming licences this online casino, giving players some level of safety assurance when wagering. Also, the SSL encryption technology in place, ensures maximum data confidentiality during transactions. This, in turn, adds more trust and confidence to players.
As one of the best EU casinos, BetOnRed definitely stands out with its unique game offerings and features. It hosts over 2000 games, including slots, table games, jackpots, and game shows. They are all available for instant play and often feature a demo version.
Reviewing its payment section, we found diverse options suitable for European players. Some of these include Visa, Mastercard, and Skrill. The lowest amount you can transact here is €5, applying for deposits.
The maximum deposit amount is not specified but could vary depending on your chosen payment method. That said, you cannot cash out anything below €50 and above €2500 daily, €7500 weekly, and €15,000 monthly.
BetOnRed is under the jurisdiction of Curacao. Players, therefore, are assured of safety when wagering. Also, based on our thorough background checks, we couldn’t link BetOnRed casino with fraudulent dealings. So, they are reputable.
BetOnRed Casino Welcome bonus
100FS Exclusive No Deposit Bonus. Code: CORRECTCASINOS100
Established in 2022 by Novatech Solutions N.V., Qbet Casino stands out with its diverse gaming portfolio featuring over 3000 titles. Slots form the largest part of this collection, featuring titles from Play’n GO, Red Tiger, NetEnt, and many others. Table games like roulette and blackjack form a notable part of this collection, alongside crash and live games.
QBet is a safe casino without Swedish license.
We checked its payment section and found numerous options popular among EU players. Some of these include Visa, Mastercard, and Sofort. Bitcoin is also acceptable.
The minimum amount you can deposit here is €10. The maximum deposit amount is not well specified, but it depends on your payment method in most cases. You can’t cash out below €20 or exceed €10,000, €25,000, and €100,000 daily, weekly, and monthly withdrawal limits, respectively.
Qbet is a legitimate gambling establishment holding a valid Curacao eGaming licence. The SSL encryption on the platform tightens the security, safeguarding players’ sensitive data during transactions. This ensures utmost security to players, giving them ample time when planning and executing their wagers.
The platform is also available in numerous dialects, accommodating different diversities across the EU.
This is one of the latest Rabidi N.V. brands, rocking the EU market. At its core, it hosts a massive game library featuring over 4000 titles. Most are slots, covering almost half of the portfolio. Of course, there are other game types like table games, game shows, jackpots, and more.
Exploring further, MyEmpire casino accepts various payment gateways that are popular in Europe. They include Visa, Skrill, MasterCard, PaySafeCard, and many others. Most of these work for deposits and withdrawals.
Speaking of deposits, the minimum amount is €10. There is no specified maximum. The least viable amount on withdrawals is €10, while the maximum depends on your VIP status level. The casino supports over 8 currencies, thus making it favourable to most EU punters.
MyEmpire Casino is licensed by the Curacao eGaming Authorities. The licence details are displayed on the platform’s footer. And from our thorough background check, we couldn’t link it with suspicious dealings. So, it is reputable.
Also from Rabidi N.V., Novajackpot is available in Europe. It hosts an extensive portfolio of over 4000 titles. They are divided into sections of slots, table games, jackpots, and live games.
These games are available in instant play and often a feature demo version. As such, you can play for fun, learn the ropes, and then wager real money at your convenience. Some of the most popular titles available in the slot section include Forge of Gems, Colt Lightning, and Cash Vandal.
NovaJackpot casino accepts multiple payment methods, resonating with most players in Europe. Some of these include Jeton, eZeeWallet, Visa, Bitcoin, and many others. The minimum deposit and withdrawal amount is €10. Also, you cannot exceed the €5000 per transaction withdrawal limit unless you use cryptos.
Overall, this is a decent online casino worth every EU gambler’s time and fortune. And being multilingual, most European players are accommodated.
This recently(2023) established Dama N.V. Casino is home to over 6000 innovative games. For easy navigation, the games are divided into categories of slots, table games, game shows, and sports betting. Slots are the majority, featuring almost all its types. Table games and their live dealer versions are also numerous.
Acceptable payment methods include Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, and Bitcoin. The least viable deposit amount is €20. The maximum amount is not specified. However, you can’t go beyond €4000 unless you use Bitcoin/crypto.
The minimum withdrawal amount, just like the deposit, is €20, while the maximum is €4000. Cryptos may have higher limits.
This casino holds a valid gambling licence issued by Antillephone under Curacao. A clickable logo on the platform’s footer directs you to the licence issuer for verification. Also, the SSL encryption technology on the website ensures data confidentiality. Thus making the platform safer and more reliable for EU players.
Wanted Win Casino is available in English, French, German, and Norwegian dialects.
Online since 2008, Casino.com is among the most well-known casinos in Europe currently. It is owned and operated by Mansion Europe Holdings Ltd in conjunction with Onisac Ltd.
The gaming site is licensed by both the UK Gambling Commission and Gibraltar Gambling Commission. This makes it a trustworthy and legitimate iGaming hub. As such, you can remain certain of provably fair titles.
The casino focuses on customer security, game quality, and the fairness of games. This way, most games offered have above-average payout rates.
Casino.com also has exciting bonuses and promos that you can enjoy at various stages. Besides having a vast gaming catalog, all games offered are mobile-friendly for on-the-go wagering.
The gaming library is made up of table games, slot titles, and live dealer options. This caters to all gamblers.
For European players, Casino,com accepts iDebit, e-wallets, and ecoPayz for deposits. When it comes to withdrawals, Boleto, Neosurf, and Zimpler among others, are convenient.
Hell Spin Casino is a wonderful addition to the iGaming space in Europe. The online casino debuted in 2022, making it one of the newest gaming sites. Hell Spin Casino is owned and operated by TechOptions Group N.V., a prominent iGaming company.
The casino site is loved for its exciting big library of games. At the time of writing, the casino offered over 3200 titles to European players.
The titles are supplied by 40+ top-rated software developers. This ensures enough diversity as you will find live dealer games, video slots, and table games. Slot games make up most of the games though.
Notably, the casino has a hell-themed design that makes the games easy to spot. Also, players can use the search bar to find their favorite titles.
Among the games offered, 3000+ are mobile-friendly. Therefore you can make wagers using portable devices with ease.
Hell Spin Casino is licensed by the Curacao e-gaming Authority. As such, it is such a credible site for iGaming.
For European players, the payment solutions accepted are Sofort, Visa, Skrill, and Bitcoin just to name a few. This way, the players get to enjoy a variety of convenient methods.
As a major online gambling market, Europe has one the largest number of online casinos. However, newly launched sites tend to take the market by storm. A good example of such a casino is Captain Spins.
Established in 2020, Captain Spins Casino has expanded its reach globally. The casino is managed and owned by White Hat Gaming Limited. As such, it is among the most sought-after online casinos in the European Union.
Captain Spins Casino is registered and licensed by both the MGA and UKGC. These regulatory bodies are proof enough that the casino offers safe and reliable gameplay.
The gaming site has an exhaustive gaming library of 1500 games to enjoy. From its name, you can almost tell that slots are more prominent. That can also be confirmed when you skim through the games offered.
Apart from slots, Captain Spins also offers some table game variations. They are just a handful, so it might not be your best bet if you love table games.
At the casino, you can use various payment options for deposits and withdrawals. For European players, PayPal, Visa, Interac, and Sofort are more convenient.
NucleonBet was launched in early 2022. It is owned and operated by L.C.S Limited. Although new, the casino is quite popular in Europe.
The casino has expanded its reach to most parts of the world. Licensed by the MGA, it is among the most sought-after online casinos in Europe.
NucleonBet has quite an impressive selection of games. It boasts a vast library of 3500+ titles made up of slots, table games, and virtual card games. Additionally, players have many variations of roulette and blackjack to enjoy.
Since its inception, NucleonBet has remained true to its mission. Great useability and global reach perfectly define it. Currently, it operates in several countries within the European Union bloc.
The casino accepts different payment methods. These include Sofort, Skrill, and Neosurf, among others. As such, you have lots of payment options to choose from. The banking solutions are also available for withdrawals.
Owned by White Hat Gaming Ltd, CasiGo is many fans’ go-to casino. The gambling site began its operations in 2020. It is among the many online casinos available in Europe.
CasiGo is registered and licensed by both the UK Gambling Commission and the MGA. These two regulatory bodies are known for their strictness, which is why they are respected. As such, CasiGo is a reliable casino with provably fair games.
The online casino boasts a vast gaming library of more than 1500 games. Out of these, 1200 games are designed for mobile gaming.
The games offered are distributed into live casino games, slots, blackjack, jackpots, scratch cards, and table games. Additionally, they can be sorted out by providers’ names. Further, most of the games have demo modes that can only be played after registration.
According to customer support, the minimum deposit at CasiGo is $10 (or equivalent). The minimum payout you can request is $20.
Note that you have to play through your topped-up amount before you can make a withdrawal.
For European players, the casino accepts various payment methods. They include bank transfers, credit/debit cards and e-wallets.
The European gambling market is currently saturated with online casinos. Each of them does what’s best to establish a niche for itself. That notwithstanding, some casinos have managed to outdo others in terms of service delivery. Follow these simple steps to find the right casino for you!
1
Examine the Casino’s Legitimacy
The best and easiest way to gauge a casino’s legitimacy is through its licensing information. European casinos licensed either by the MGA or UKGC or both are usually the best. These regulatory bodies are popular for their rigidity when overseeing casino activities.
2
Understand the bonus terms
When signing up for a European casino, it is important to go through its terms and conditions. This way, you get to understand lots of things including bonus terms. Comprehending the bonus terms helps you know when you can claim an offer.
3
Accepted payment methods
Available payment solutions communicate a lot about the site. An ideal European casino should accept the most popular payment methods. This way, players in the continent get to enjoy utmost convenience in transactions.
4
Make your first top-up
A good number of European casinos offer a variety of payment options. Using a convenient payment method, you can then deposit funds into your casino account. The deposit speeds will largely depend on the banking solution you choose.
5
Withdrawal speeds
Every player in Europe hopes to receive their winnings as soon as possible. However, the payout speeds highly depend on two critical factors. The choice of payment method and the verification process by the casino. Make sure to keep these in mind when choosing an online casino.
New European online casinos
Europe is a big continent as it is. The European Union member states keep reviewing their stance on online gambling. As this happens, we should expect a surge in the number of online casinos.
Currently, the market has lots of gambling sites to choose from. Finding the most ideal new casino in Europe is often challenging. For this reason, we have created this section for players looking to try out new casinos.
We will be reviewing and recommending new European online casinos in Europe as they launch. We understand the importance of safe and reliable gameplay. As such, expect us to only list reputable ones.
Slots machines are some of the most played casino games in Europe. These games are often designed uniquely for enjoyable gameplay. Though many, the games’ prominence varies.
That said, we conducted extensive research to find the most popular slots in the EU. Check them out below!
With exciting treats, this sugary-themed title was developed by Pragmatic Play. The game’s action takes place on a 6-reel, 5-row engine with an All Ways payline. As a result, winning combinations are formed unusually.
To get a winning combo, you must land 8+ similar symbols on the reels. The symbols must not necessarily be on adjoining reels. Also, they don’t have to be in clusters or paylines.
As long as they appear anywhere on the reels, you will have a winning combination. Consequently, you get to earn better rewards if you land more similar symbols.
There are instances where players can land winning combinations of more than a single symbol on one spin. This is just how cluster pays slots are designed.
Sweet Bonanza has a 96.49% RTP, which is slightly above average. That said, the slot’s maximum win is 21175x your stake.
Released in 2021, Wanted Dead or Alive has become a popular game among players. It was designed by Hacksaw Gaming, a popular software developer. The game has a Western theme set around robberies, deadly duels, and crazy outlaws.
This action-packed title is played on 5 reels and 5 rows. With that, it offers a maximum win of 12500x your stake per spin.
By landing 3 or more Duel symbols, players trigger the Duel at Daw feature. This exciting bonus feature gives you 10 free spins.
When you land 3 or more Dead symbols, you trigger the Dead Man’s Hand feature. The main objective is to collect many multipliers and Wilds within the initial collect stage.
Other bonus features include the VS symbols and the Great Train Robbery. With an RTP of 96.15% and a high variance, you can expect great returns.
Online since 2016, the Book of Dead slot has been around the block for some time. The casino game is provided by Play’n Go.
Book of Dead has great artwork and an exciting engine. The game comes with a free demo version to give you a taste of the real action.
Here, the action takes place on a 5×5 grid slot with 10 betways. This way, the game has a maximum win of up to 5000x your stake.
The game’s RTP is 96.21%, which is well above average. With its high volatility, Book of Dead offers great returns in case of a win.
For bonuses, the title offers various symbols that you can use to increase your winning chances. These include Books, Adventure, Ancient, Egyptian, Retrigger, Special, and Expanding bonus features.
Soar through the air to a destination of your choosing with this amazing slot game. Over the years, the Aviator slot has become so popular in Europe. The game was developed by Spribe, a popular studio worldwide.
Although different from the usual slots, Aviator is quite simple. It is not played on reels and paylines, and neither does it have symbols.
The game’s concept involves an airplane flying up at an increasing coefficient beginning at 1x. Since the slot has no paylines, there is no maximum win.
The rising coefficient can grow to infinity. You therefore get a robust winning chance.
Most importantly, remember to cash out before the plane flies away. This way, the slot multiplies your stake with the plane’s coefficient.
Aviator has an RTP of 97%, which is quite remarkable. Every single win brings significant returns due to its low-medium variance.
Based on the 1983 TV show “The Price is Right”, Plinko is a popular slot all over Europe. It is a straightforward game developed by Spribe. The game was released in January 2021 and has remained one of the best slots.
The concept here is simple. It’s just dropping balls from the top of a board with pins. You will be awarded bet multipliers based on the box a ball lands into.
This slot game offers a maximum win of 555x your stake. Moreover, it has three options depending on the number of pins preferred. You can pick from 12, 14, or 16 pins.
The more the pins, the harder it is to land a win. However, you get to earn bigger prizes when you eventually win.
Plinko has an RTP of 97%. Based on its variance, you can rest assured of good returns.
In this day and age, there’s hardly a gamer who only plays one type of game. With these games, players get to win real money, thus their popularity.
We no longer live in the days when pro poker players could win instant prizes as they please. Nowadays, even if you aren’t familiar with casino games, you can still win with a hint of luck.
Besides slot games, online casinos in Europe offer lots of other games. Different players prefer different games in an online casino. As such, it’s only right for a casino to meet all players’ tastes and preferences.
Other than slots, the following are some other popular games in Europe.
Poker
Among the most popular games, poker comes second to slots. This has been the case since the introduction of online gambling in Europe. Poker has many different variants that you can choose from.
The most common variant is Texas Hold’Em Poker. Although different game developers have different Texas Hold’Em designs, the game’s rules are basically the same.
When mentioning true casino classics, you can’t fail to talk about roulette. Up until now, a European online casino without roulette is unimaginable.
However, with roulette, you need some level of mathematical understanding. If you’re looking to stake highly for small gains, then you must know how to reduce the risk of a loss. Simply put, brave risk takers gain more in online roulette!
Best 3 European Casinos for Roulette:
AmAok Casino – European roulette, American Roulette, others
In the world of mini card games, Baccarat is an option to consider. In baccarat, your opponent is the dealer. The best part about the casino game is that a round takes a couple of seconds.
From there, you can tell whether your bet is doubled or lost. As a player, you have to ensure that you draw a higher hand than your opponent. Generally, this game is ideal for swift gains.
Best 3 EU casino sites offering Baccarat:
Captain Spins – EU License
Vegas Lounge – Malta license
Mansion Casino – Malta & UK License
Blackjack
Blackjack utilizes the same concept as baccarat. You can draw cards to end up with cards of better value. However, you must make sure not to exceed 21 cards. This would mean that you’ve lost.
When you are satisfied with your deck of cards, you must let the dealer draw cards too. The hand with the highest value of cards wins the round. Evidently, blackjack is pretty exciting hence its popularity in Europe.
European Sports Betting Sites
A vast majority of casinos accepting European players offer sports betting. As such, you can wager on various sports events occurring that very day or in the future.
Besides, almost all countries in Europe have legalized sports betting within their borders. This has increased its popularity over the years.
You can now bet on various sporting events on the continent online. Moreover, there are lots of benefits tied to online wagering.
The European Union does not have standardized regulations on sports betting. As such, member states may have different laws regarding the same.
Countries like the United Kingdom, France, and Germany do not prohibit sports wagering as a form of gambling. Consequently, they all have regulatory bodies in charge of sports betting. This allows players in the countries to enjoy wagering on:
Soccer
eSports
American Football
Rugby
Basketball
Notably, players in Europe are significantly advantaged compared to most parts of the globe. They can access the best selection of sports wagering sites. Moreover, most offshore sportsbooks accept European players.
This advantage makes it even tougher to find the best sports betting sites in Europe. Luckily, we at Correct Casinos are determined to make the search a lot easier for you.
Here is a list of betting sites to consider when you wish to wager on sports in the continent. Each of them offers genuine top-flight service that is reliable in terms of finances.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Top 5 Casino Software Providers in Europe
Many, and actually most, online casino software providers are in Europe. They have licences from their respective jurisdictions and develop different kinds of games. While some specialise in slots, others are into live games, and others are a ‘jack of all trades’.
But among these, which ones are the best? Here are the top casino software providers in Europe.
Amusnet(EGT)
Amusnet has developed and supplied over 240 slots, dice, video poker, keno, lotto, and RNG roulette. It has partnered with over 500 casino operators across the EU and globally to achieve this, gaining popularity among casino enthusiasts. No wonder it commands a significant market coverage in the EU. Its main offices are in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Microgaming
Launched over 30 years ago, Microgaming has its main offices in Douglas, Isle of Man. Even so, it’s licensed in Malta and the UK. Fast forward, its software solutions are the most adopted by casinos throughout the European region. Most of its titles are available in international casinos.
Microgaming has developed over 850 games supporting over 45 languages. It focuses on table games, poker, keno, live games, and sports betting.
NetEnt
Meet this industry heavyweight with a whopping 30 years under its belt. Over the years, it has developed over 200 games of different genres, including slots, table games, and poker.
The company has offices all over Europe. The headquarters offices are in Stockholm, with other offices in Gothenburg, Malta, Gibraltar, Kyiv, and more. No wonder you will find most of its titles in international online casinos. NetEnt was acquired by Evolution in 2022.
Novomatic
This is another popular software provider in Europe (launched in 1980). It has offices in over 43 countries, making it popular globally. It develops and supplies online slots, table games, jackpots, and live games.
Fast forward, it is still a prominent player, supplying software solutions in many EU casinos. Its head offices are in Gumpoldskirchen, Lower Austria.
Thunderkick
Operating from the vibrant city of Stockholm, Sweden, Thunderkick has its own unique charm. It stands out with its unique small yet valuable slots portfolio, featuring 150+ titles.
It mainly focuses on high-quality video slots, which have recently gained popularity across Europe. You will, therefore, find most of them in most of these EU casinos, accounting for decent market coverage.
European Gambling facts & Numbers
The total gambling market in Europe is valued at around €80 billion per year.
The largest gambling market in Europe is the UK, where the industry is worth over €14 billion per year.
Sweden, Italy, and France are also among the largest gambling markets in Europe, with each country generating billions of euros in revenue from gambling each year.
Online gambling is a growing trend in Europe, with an increasing number of people turning to the internet for their gaming needs. The online gambling market in Europe is valued at over €20 billion per year.
The most popular form of gambling in Europe is lotteries, followed by sports betting and casino games.
Gambling is legal and regulated in most European countries, although there are some exceptions. In some countries, certain forms of gambling are illegal or restricted, while in others, gambling is completely unregulated.
Most Popular Casino Payment Methods in Europe
The European market has lots of fully licensed online casinos operational today. Every casino has its own accepted payment solution. It is important that you identify the most convenient banking solution for you.
The following are some of the most common payment options available for European players.
Jeton
Jeton is an e-wallet uniquely designed for online gambling. The fintech brand was established in 2016. Its headquarters are based in London in the United Kingdom.
Jeton is managed and run by Uros London Ltd. It was created as a secure and private way for users to manage funds virtually.
In iGaming, it has become quite popular thanks to its convenience. You can load your Jeton wallet through 70+ methods of payment.
Jeton has expanded its reach worldwide. Currently, the e-wallet is used in over 150 countries. It offers three important services.
Jeton Pay – offers swift payments to different online stores
Jeton Cash – a prepaid voucher that is accepted globally.
Jeton Money Transfer – a fast way of transferring money between accounts.
The e-wallet also recently began accepting cryptocurrencies, alongside other 50+ currencies. This helps users avoid conversion fees.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that digital currencies are reshaping the iGaming space. Bitcoin is the most popular crypto worldwide currently.
The cryptocurrency was created in 2009, making it the first-ever digital currency. Since its inception, Bitcoin (BTC) has grown in prominence all over the world. That’s why most crypto-friendly casinos in Europe accept payments in BTC.
Moreover, the crypto’s market value has skyrocketed greatly. As we speak, BTC is the most expensive in the world of cryptos.
Unfortunately, Bitcoin’s value keeps fluctuating. As a result, you can still buy that coin easily within Europe.
With BTC, you can enjoy various benefits when gambling online. These include anonymity, security, transparency, and convenience.. If you’re looking to wager in crypto, BTC is your best bet.
Gambling Regulations in Europe
Gambling activities in Europe are not governed by a standardized set of regulations. Every state is free to formulate its own iGaming laws.
As it is, various countries have their own casino regulatory bodies. The following are some of the most notable ones.
The United Kingdom Gambling Commission
In 2005, the UK established an independent regulatory authority to oversee online gambling. The body was established based on the UK Gambling Act (2005). Headquartered in Birmingham, the regulator covers the whole of the UK and the Northern part of Ireland.
The commission gets its funding from licensing fees and the UK National Lottery levy remittances. Away from that, the UKGC safeguards customers and keeps gambling crime-free.
Also, the commission has the mandate to ensure gambling is open and fair. To do this, the regulator oversees both offline and online gaming activities countrywide.
The UKGC is also responsible for Bingo halls, bookies, and lotteries. It ensures that the public is sensitized about problem gambling too.
On October 1, 2021, the Netherlands removed various restrictions on iGaming. The government also established an independent Gaming Authority. This allowed Dutch players to make online casino wagers legally.
For some reason, the government delayed the Remote Gambling Act. But when it was finally enacted, online gambling finally launched.
The Gaming Authority in the Netherlands oversees all online gambling activities in the country. As such, it is the body mandated to issue gambling licenses to operators.
Besides offshore gaming sites, most casinos in the Netherlands are fully licensed by the NGA. Clearly, we should expect even more casinos in the near future.
As an EU member state, Sweden has already enacted the 4th and 5th Money Laundering Directive. The directives also include all operations relating to gambling.
For this reason, the state has its own casino regulator responsible for online and retail gambling. The Swedish Gambling Authority ensures that casinos comply with relevant AML regulations.
It also is responsible for issuing general advice and regulations on money laundering prevention. Each casino is expected to assess if its products can be used for money laundering.
The regulator usually has this requirement when it comes to licensing applications. This way, both the regulator and operator can confirm the safety and fairness of all games
Curacao – The Offshore Gambling Regulator, accepting European players.
Curacao is usually the easiest choice for casinos looking to venture into online gambling. This gaming regulator is among the most popular ones in the world. In fact, most offshore casinos accepting European players are licensed by the government of Curacao.
So why is the regulatory body popular?
First, Curacao is among the most accessible iGaming jurisdictions. Curacao eGaming, the country’s master license holder, is not usually strict when it comes to casino licensing.
Some may argue that this makes it easy for rogue sites to join. However, from what we gathered, most Curacao-licensed casinos are quite reputable.
The jurisdiction offers the fastest license processing times In addition, acquiring a license from Curacao is usually cost-effective and easy.
Curacao eGaming does not levy taxes on foreign income. That’s why most online casinos prefer having this license.
That said, license costs vary based on the various needs of a casino. Curacao eGaming provides options for various license budgets.
Renowned all over the world, the Malta Gaming Authority is among the best iGaming regulators. The Authority was established in 2001 to oversee gaming activities within Malta.
Notably, Malta was one of the first European nations to regulate online gambling. This made the MGA a trailblazer since it’s among the first iGaming regulatory bodies.
Over the years, the regulator has become respectable in the iGaming space. The MGA has formulated regulations to help protect online gamblers.
The regulator’s main role is to assess online gaming providers and operators. This is necessary for the authority’s certification process. Note that the Malta Gaming Authority can revoke licenses of casinos suspected to be rogue.
European Gambling Restrictions
The European Union law addresses various iGaming matters. However, each member state is free to formulate and implement its gambling regulations. Currently, the EU bloc lacks a blanket framework with regard to iGaming.
Various countries have different views on online gambling. The following are country-specific restrictions for online gambling in Europe.
The United Kingdom
The country’s gambling laws require local casinos to obtain licensing from the UKGC. However, offshore gambling sites are not blocked from serving UK residents. Most importantly, all players must be 18 years and above. Casinos risk losing their license if they let minors play. Agaon, the country prohibits the advertising of gambling activity to people younger than 18 years.
Bulgaria
This is one of the toughest EU member states with regard to online gambling. Moreover, the country is among the few countries with a casino blacklist. Here, the legal gambling age is 18 years. This helps the country prevent all illegal operations. Bulgaria has no limitations regarding the number of licenses. However, all gambling licenses must be obtained according to the Gambling Act (2008).
Belgium
Like the UK, Belgium prohibits the advertising of casino operations on TV. This way, the country is able to protect citizens from problem gambling. Belgium allows sports betting to be advertised on various media. However, the adverts are highly restricted and must be approved first before being aired or published.
Gambling Taxes in Europe
In recent years, the iGaming space has grown into a booming business. Based on several pieces of research, the European sector is the leader in the business. The continent usually had a relatively relaxed attitude toward online gaming. But that has changed drastically.
Previously, brick & mortar casinos were more prevalent. As such, the pastime remained a thing for players willing to play physically. With the dominance of online gambling, everyone of legal age can now wager easily.
Europe was quick to embrace online gaming for many reasons. The main one was that gambling operators are the ones to pay taxes.
Most European countries do not levy taxes on players’ winnings. It’s the casinos that pay tax based on their annual profits.
This way you end up receiving your full winnings. This is also beneficial to casinos since more players are encouraged to participate.
In most European nations, gambling taxes are channeled toward education and healthcare. Some of the remittances are used to maintain parks and roads.
Further, EU member states charge varying tax rates. Depending on the rates, the country can encourage or discourage casinos from launching. For instance, Greece charges relatively high tax rates of 35% on all profits.
European players at offshore casinos do not owe their countries gambling tax.
Here’s a summary of the tax rates in different European countries.
Country
Tax on games played
Tax on casino income
United Kingdom
0%
21%
Greece
0%
35%
Sweden
0%
18%
Italy
0%
22%
Czech
23% (Sports)
35%
How popular are casinos in Europe?
Pretty much! Have a look at the infographic about most popular casino destinations in the EU.
History of Gambling in Europe
Seeing how gambling is at present, one may be tempted to think that it’s a modern invention. However, the history of casinos goes further than that. The pastime has been around for centuries.
European gambling history dates back to 500 BC! In that year, the famous poet, Sophocles, noted that dice games were created. However, Roman authorities frowned upon the activity.
As such, Romans had to devise ways to hide their gambling activities.
This was when the first-ever chips came to be. The people had to do this to avoid prosecution for gaming using real money.
Dice games and their prohibitions made it to Medieval times. In that period, new ways of gambling were devised. They also attracted fresh restrictions from relevant authorities.
Afterward, card games were introduced in Europe in the 15th century. However, the games were mostly played in private or public houses. Later on, in 1638, the Ridotto in Venice was built. This was the first land-based casino in Europe.
Over a century later, Jean-Theodore okayed the construction of the Redoute casino in Belgium. Today the casino goes by the name Casino Spa.
In the following centuries, casinos like Le Grand Casino de Monte Carlo were built. The casinos helped shape gambling as we know it today. Retail casinos in Europe have stayed in business up until now.
That said, online casinos have taken the gaming world by storm. Over the last two decades, there has been a rapid increase in the number of online casinos. The continent alone has more than 200 online casinos fully licensed and operational.
Land-based gambling in Europe
Brick & mortar casinos in Europe have been around for quite a while now. Agreeably, they have gone through various restrictions and regulations in Europe.
Since every European nation is free to formulate its gambling policies, some countries allow land-based wagering. As such, if you are in such countries, you can head to a retail casino and wager. These countries include the United Kingdom, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and France.
At the time of writing, some countries in the EU still have a monopoly in terms of retail gambling. As such, private land-based casinos cannot be established in such countries.
Countries such as the Netherlands and Italy abolished this quite recently. Therefore, they are among countries trying to readjust and accommodate private operators.
When it comes to land-based wagering, you can participate in various forms. Some types of retail gambling are quite popular due to their return rates within the European market. They include bingo, table games, sports betting, card games, and slot machines.
The best part about land-based gambling is that your winnings can be cashed out immediately. Moreover, players get to enjoy a cool ambiance with great amenities for much-needed social interactions.
What’s more, some European countries still do not allow any form of gambling. However, they don’t prohibit residents from visiting neighboring countries to gamble at land-based casinos.
5 Biggest Land-based Casinos in Europe
Casino de Madrid – Located in Madrid, Spain, this casino covers an area of over 10,000 square meters and offers a variety of games, including slot machines, roulette, blackjack, and poker.
Casino de Monte-Carlo – Located in Monaco, this iconic casino is known for its grand architecture and luxurious atmosphere. It offers a range of games, including slot machines, roulette, blackjack, and poker, as well as live music & program.
The Hippodrome Casino – Located in London, England, the Hippodrome Casino covers an area of over 25,000 square meters and offers a range of games, including slot machines, roulette, blackjack, and poker, as well as live music.
Casino de Ibiza – Located on the island of Ibiza in Spain, this casino covers an area of over 5,000 square meters and offers a variety of games, including slot machines, roulette, blackjack, and poker.
Casino de Saint-Vincent – Located in the Italian Alps, this casino covers an area of over 15,000 square meters and offers a range of games, including slot machines, roulette, blackjack, and poker, as well as live entertainment.
European Gambling Addictions Help
All across Europe, gambling addiction or problem gambling is such a big issue. For example, a recent study showed that over 430k persons in the UK were gambling addicts. It also showed that 1.86 million were at risk of becoming gambling addicts.
Germany had a closely similar case as the UK whereas Sweden had more female problem gamblers than males. Ireland also reported a record high number of gambling addicts.
As you can already tell, gambling can be quite destructive if not done responsibly. Moreover, one does not need to physically play at a land-based casino to become addicted. Most gambling addictions nowadays can be developed through online casinos.
Problem gambling is liked to anxiety, suicide, self-harm, and depression. It is a compulsive disorder characterized by the inability to stop a habit with dire consequences. Oftentimes, the addict causes harm (physical, financial, or emotional) to themselves.
As with other types of addiction, problem gambling is progressive. If left untreated, it can get worse with time.
Luckily, there are various ways to get help depending on the addiction stage. In Europe, individual casinos offer problem gambling help. Players are required to access the casinos’ responsible gambling pages and use the resources available.
Some of the responsible gambling tools available include:
Self-exclusion
Most casinos in Europe offer a self-exclusion period. You can opt to activate this feature to prevent you from wagering.
Wagering limits
If your addiction is manageable, you can set gambling limits for yourself. Most online casinos have this feature as well.
Besides casinos’ responsible gambling programs, European players can also open an account with Gamstop. This service is a complimentary betting blocker in the UK and a few other European countries.
Once you sign up, you’ll be able to control your gambling behaviors. In case of addiction, Gamstop can help you avoid relapses.
Did you know?
Europe’s first casino was built in 1638
The UK and Italy have the highest Gross Gambling Revenue (GGR) in the UK.
European Online Casinos F.A.Q
So far, no European country charges tax rates on players’ winnings. Instead, most of them charge casinos based on their annual profits.
Yes, of course. Land-based gambling was more prevalent for centuries all over the world. However, with the introduction of the internet, online gaming has become more dominant.
There is no clear-cut answer to that question. Online gambling has been legalised in the United Kingdom, Malta, and partially in France, Spain and the Scandinavian countries. Players from restricted jurisdictions usually have no issues depositing funds at international casinos. However, they might not be eligible for receiving a welcome bonus.
There is no shortage of payment methods European players can use. The most common ones are Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, as well as e-wallets – PayPal, Skrill, Neteller. Depending on your country of residence, you might be able to make deposits and withdrawals via giropay, SOFORT, entropay, zimpler, boku, etc.
Keep in mind that deposits via some e-wallets do not qualify for a welcome bonus. Casinos encourage players to use debit/ credit cards to speed up the verification process and bypass the deposit/ withdrawal limits of the e-wallets.
Sadly, not all casinos treat players fairly and we always recommend you to check the Correct Casinos’ reviews before signing up for the sake of getting a bonus that turns out fake.
The good news is that scam casinos end up closed, and there is a foolproof indicator that would help you determine if a casino is a legitimate one. It must hold a license from a trusted jurisdiction. You should not question the casino’s legitimacy if the bottom of the main page features the Malta Gaming Authority logo. If the casino is allowed to provide services in the UK, there would be yet another logo or at least an announcement that the casino holds a UKGC license.
The other jurisdictions European casinos seek licensing from are Alderney, Gibraltar, and the Isle of Man.
America might be the land of the free, but that’s not quite true as far as online gambling is concerned. Currently, there are three states where online gambling is legal – Delaware, Nevada, and New Jersey. To be able to provide services to the US players, European operators have to go through a complicated and expensive application procedure and comply with hundreds of requirements. Casinos accepting US players are usually licensed by offshore jurisdictions and players can hardly get any help in case of a dispute.
Slot Games – Progressive jackpot slots, fixed jackpot slots, classic slots, 3D slots, etc.
Table Games- Blackjack, Baccarat, Roulette, Poker variations
Live Casino Table Games – Dream Catcher, Football Studio, No Commission Baccarat, Speed Baccarat, Spanish 21, Classic Blackjack, Lightning Roulette, European Roulette, Texas Hold’em, Sic Bo, etc.
Video Poker – Jacks or Better, Tens or Better, Aces and Faces, Deuces Wild, etc.
Bingo, Keno, Arcade games, Scratchcards
All European casinos accept EUR. Most of them accept GBP, too. SEK and NOK are also commonly accepted currencies. But what if you want to deposit in a currency that is not supported by the online casino?
Upon making a registration, you will have to choose your primary currency. All deposits and withdrawals will be processed in that currency. Likewise, your deposit in another currency will be converted into the primary currency you have chosen, according to the exchange rate. Keep in mind that currency conversion fees may apply.
Some casinos use the so-called geolocation feature and your primary currency is the currency of the country you register from.
We would like to highlight once again the importance of proper licensing. If the casino has forfeited your winnings without an apparent reason, you can submit a complaint to the regulator. However, casinos know how to protect themselves, and the best thing you can do is to carefully read the T&C and pay special attention to the fine print before making a deposit.
It depends on your country of residence. Casinos operating in the UK, are regulated by the UKGC, and they have to comply with strict rules. For the purpose, they require players to verify their identity no later than the third day after the account creation. Players from other European countries usually have to send verification documents prior to their first withdrawal.
UK residents also have to go through strict age verification checks. In February 2019, the UKGC implemented free-to-play games limits in an attempt to curb underage gambling.
In all cases, you will need a copy of your ID, a proof of address, a copy of the credit/ debit card you used for depositing, a copy of a paid utility bill or whatever the casino management considers relevant.
Each casino has a tab dedicated to new games. In addition, some casinos award players with free cash or free spins, valid only for the new games. If you receive a personalised bonus, you will be notified via email or SMS.
Most casinos have a demo play option even if you do not have an account. The free slots allow you to check if the game is worth it before you switch to real money mode and deposit your own funds.
The standard processing time is in the range between 2 hours and 72 hours. However, there are a lot of factors that have an impact on the payout speed. All of them are listed in our fastest payout casinos review.
All European casinos are optimised for mobile play. You can either play in your browser or download an app from the app store. However, the mobile versions of the online casinos feature fewer titles than the desktop ones.
One of the advantages online casinos have over their land-based counterparts is the presence of lavish welcome bonuses. If you are a slots player, you should be looking for free spins bonuses. If you want to try both slots and table games, you should narrow down your search to match deposit bonus casinos or no deposit bonus casinos.
All European casinos have a live chat option, but not all of them offer chat support round the clock. You can also contact the customer care agents via email and phone.
Bottom Line
Some of the largest online casinos worldwide gladly accept European players. These casinos have been in the industry for decades. They have licenses from respected regulators and do business with the best game suppliers, which guarantees them a loyal playerbase and speaks volumes of their reliability.
In recent years, gambling has become a topic of controversy in several countries. For the most part, it’s because the leisure activity is now available online.
Seeing how gambling is at present, one may be tempted to think that it’s a modern invention. However, the history of casinos goes further than that. The pastime has been around for centuries.
urope have been around for quite a while now. Agreeably, they have gone through various restrictions and regulations in Europe.
All across Europe, gambling addiction or problem gambling is such a big issue. For example, a recent study showed that over 430k persons in the UK were gambling addicts. It also showed that 1.86 million were at risk of becoming gambling addicts.
