Europe is a major continent for the online gambling industry. Although almost all European nations offer something to gamblers, some seem more attractive than others. As internet access, mobile phones, and digital payments grow, online gambling is becoming a fast-growing business that attracts millions of players worldwide.
In this article, we will learn about Europe’s most internet gambling-friendly countries. Join us as we explore the vibrant world of European internet gambling.
While exploring European markets, it’s worth noting how German platforms like RolleroCasino have adapted to regional regulations since their 2025 launch. With over 3,000 games spanning slots, live dealer options, and table games, they showcase how modern operators navigate European licensing frameworks through robust age verification, transparent payment processing, and implementation of responsible gambling tools.
Europe’s Most Online Gambling-Friendly Countries
Some European countries make it easy to gamble online, thanks to friendly laws and a growing industry. Let’s look at the top places where online gambling is popular and well-regulated.
United Kingdom
Gambling culture is deeply rooted in the United Kingdom, which has a huge market for online gambling and sports betting in particular. The United Kingdom is a global leader, renowned for its mature and well-regulated iGaming market. In 2023, the UK saw a significant increase in online gambling, reaching over £5.4 billion.
Online casinos were strong performers, generating over £3.2 billion in revenue. Sports betting also contributed significantly, adding £1.9 billion to the total online gambling income.
The UK Gambling Commission ensures fair play and consumer protection in the UK gambling industry. It licenses operators and ensures they comply with strict rules. Additionally, to protect consumers, the commission ensures that operators verify customers’ ages to prevent underage gambling.
The UK’s gambling ecosystem welcomes diverse game developers, with leading studios like Aristocrat contributing significantly to the market’s variety through their distinctive mathematics models and engaging themes.
Malta
Malta has been referred to as the “iGaming Capital of Europe” because of its favorable licensing system. It is home to many operators and is the headquarters of several international operators. The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) grants licenses to hundreds of European operators for betting. Although Malta’s population is not very large, its economic impact from iGaming is 12%.
MGA attracts international gaming operators through its solid regulatory framework, favorable licensing fees, and welcoming taxation regime, positioning Malta as a top gaming industry hub.
Netherlands
Gambling has been legal in the Netherlands since 1964, allowing physical casinos to operate with only a few restrictions. It accommodated classic gambling games, including cards, jackpots, and lotteries. Nevertheless, internet gambling was illegal until 2021 when the Dutch Gambling Act came into force, and the iGaming industry became part of the Netherlands.
Since then, over a million Dutch nationals have actively played in online casinos. This has made the Netherlands one of Europe’s largest gambling markets, projected to have accumulated over a billion dollars in 2024.
Legalizing the online gambling market was an important step that the Netherlands government took to prevent cyber loss of the population as they played on unprotected sites. Moreover, it channeled the revenue acquired by foreign operators into the nation.
Sweden
Sweden is known as a free nation for gambling because of its liberal legislation. However, the gambling authorities in Sweden prioritize and actively promote lotteries, which have rapidly gained popularity all over Sweden as well as abroad. Gambling was legalized in Sweden after the 1994 Lotteries Act was enforced.
The 2018 SGA’s Gambling Act in Sweden had a significant impact on the country’s online gambling sector, as it experienced enormous growth, with various casino companies opening shops in the country.
As is evident, Swedish online players are more inclined to gamble online than to visit land-based gaming establishments. The considerable growth that the industry has experienced in recent years demonstrates this.
Italy
It is one of the biggest gambling markets in Europe, generating over 1 billion euros annually. The government-established Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM) regulates online casinos, sports betting, and lotteries. The government also has responsible gaming regulations to prevent gambling problems, protect vulnerable groups, and ensure a fair gaming environment.
The Italian iGaming segment is broad, ranging from live casino tables and progressive jackpot slots to lotteries and sports betting. Players can choose from a variety of options, from large sporting events, especially those involving national pride, which directly influence the business by fostering community building and entertaining players.
Internet gaming in Italy recorded its Gross Gaming Revenue of approximately 1.8 billion euros in the previous year.
Final Words
Europe is home to several gambling-friendly countries, each with its own unique experience. As online gaming continues to grow, these countries will likely be at the forefront of development, creating an environment that allows players to enjoy their game of choice.
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