Contrary to popular belief, the European Union does not have an absolute monopoly over the laws of its constituent countries. They do draft some general laws, but member nations are still accountable and have the authority to create their own. The gambling industry is one of the areas in which EU nations have legislative autonomy. This arrangement explains why not all EU nations fully permit gambling among their citizens and residents.
The sections that follow provide information on EU nations that fully permit casino activities including those on https://utansvensklicens.casino/en/poker-sites-without-swedish-license/ and how residents of nations that do not can still participate in the fun. You can also find more information on the best European online casinos on this website if you are looking for more information.
UK
The UK is no longer in the European Union, but the gambling legislation was implemented years before Brexit. The United Kingdom fully permits casinos, regulated by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission. The UK Gambling Commission works with casinos to ensure a safe and fair gambling environment, requiring them to provide players with a variety of tools to limit their spending on the platform.
Switzerland
The Swiss Federal Casino Commission regulates the country’s gambling operations. The government blocks access to the IP addresses of unlicensed websites, making only licenced websites available to its citizens. There are two types of laws in Switzerland: state (cantonal) and federal.
Spain
When searching for an EU nation with some of the most progressive gambling laws, many gamblers select Spain. If they meet the requirements, operators can obtain a licence from the Spanish National Gaming Commission. If they do, the establishment joins the league of legal casinos in EU states and can offer all games, including those with jackpots, to gamblers.
Italy
Italy is one of the more liberal nations in Europe when it comes to gambling operations. Since 2006, it has been legal for US citizens and residents to gamble at online casinos, with fewer restrictions coming in 2011. Even on free spins and jackpot wins, gamblers are not responsible for taxes; instead, casinos absorb these costs.
Sweden
Svenska Spel, a state-owned company, was solely responsible for all forms of gambling. However, its laws changed in 2019 to permit more progressive and liberal legislation. The market is now open to the best European casinos, allowing citizens to partake in a range of gambling games. They are known for having strict regulations, with a particular limit to bonuses.
Netherlands
Until the senate passed the Remote Gaming Bill, the Dutch government had a monopoly on all forms of gambling. In 2020, foreign operators joined the existing Holland Casino to provide Dutch players with a vast selection of games, including slots, poker, and sports betting. Taxes on these websites are among the highest in the EU, with some websites paying as much as 29% of their revenue in taxes, excluding other fees.
Why are there casino restrictions in Europe?
Player Security
European governments seek to safeguard gamblers and preserve a power balance between players and operators. Numerous regulatory bodies require the latter to enrol in and support anti-gambling programmes, which assist in excluding individuals from gambling.
Every licenced online casino in the United Kingdom is a member of the Gamestop programme. Typical restrictions on operators include game bans, wager limits, heavy taxes, fines, and advertising restrictions.
Stop Money-Laundering
These restrictions also aid in preventing money laundering. Numerous individuals can use online casino platforms in the private sector to launder money by reporting their winnings as legitimate. Regulatory bodies collaborate with operators to prevent such practices and frequently impose wagering requirements on deposit bonuses and free spins. You can learn how the UK Gambling Commission works to prevent money laundering here.
For Social and Political Motives
Religious, political, and social factors may also contribute to restricting or prohibiting gambling platforms in an EU member state.
Final Reflections
Gambling is legal in the majority of Europe, including Spain, the United Kingdom, Italy, and the Netherlands, giving citizens and residents full access to the industry’s offerings. To qualify as one of the legal casinos in EU states, a casino must have a licence from the country in which it operates and abide by its regulations.
