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Business Insider
27-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Casino regulations in Europe: A comprehensive overview
The European casino industry operates within a complex regulatory framework that varies significantly across member states. Unlike other sectors, there is no unified EU legislation governing gambling services, leaving each country autonomous in organizing their gambling systems as long as they comply with the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). The Fragmented Regulatory Landscape Most EU countries allow at least some games of chance to be offered online, though the scope varies considerably. Some countries permit all forms of gambling, while others restrict offerings to specific types such as sports betting, poker, or casino games. This diversity creates both opportunities and challenges for operators and players navigating the European market. The regulatory approaches generally fall into three categories: fully liberalized markets with competitive licensing systems, state monopolies, and hybrid models. Countries like the United Kingdom, Malta, and Sweden have established comprehensive licensing frameworks that allow multiple operators to compete. Conversely, Finland operates a state monopoly system, though this is set to change in 2027 when the country will transition to a partial licensing system. Key Regulatory Bodies and Frameworks Several prominent regulatory authorities oversee casino operations across Europe. The UK Gambling Commission remains one of the most influential, despite Brexit, setting high standards for consumer protection and responsible gambling. Malta Gaming Authority has become a popular licensing jurisdiction for online operators seeking to serve the broader European market. For players seeking comprehensive information about regulated casinos and current market conditions, resources like provide valuable insights and comparisons of licensed operators across different European jurisdictions. Spain's gambling market stands out as a well-regulated environment governed by the Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ), offering clear licensing processes and a stable operational framework. The country maintains a 20% gross gaming revenue tax, which remains manageable for established operators while ensuring proper regulatory oversight. Licensing Requirements and Standards European casino licensing involves rigorous application processes designed to ensure only credible and responsible operators enter the market. Licensing processes tend to be stringent, reflecting an overriding commitment to a well-regulated and transparent gambling environment within the continent. Operators must demonstrate several key capabilities: Technical infrastructure capable of supporting fair and secure gaming Robust player protection measures including age verification and responsible gambling tools Adequate capitalization and financial stability Anti-money laundering compliance systems Customer support and dispute resolution procedures Age verification is a universal requirement, with most EU countries setting the legal gambling age at 18, though exceptions exist such as Greece requiring players to be 23 and Estonia setting the minimum age at 21. Consumer Protection and Responsible Gambling Player protection forms the cornerstone of European casino regulation. Regulatory authorities mandate various safeguards including deposit limits, session time restrictions, and self-exclusion options. Recent regulatory changes in countries like Sweden have introduced strict bonus restrictions and enhanced monitoring requirements for operators to identify and intervene when gambling habits become problematic. The emphasis on responsible gambling has intensified, with regulators requiring operators to: Monitor player behavior for signs of problem gambling Provide clear information about odds and risks Offer effective self-exclusion tools Restrict marketing to vulnerable populations Implement cooling-off periods for concerned players Taxation and Economic Impact Europe's online gambling market is projected to reach $76.7 billion by 2033, growing at a 6.3% compound annual growth rate from $43 billion in 2025, with the UK, Germany, and Italy leading the way. This growth represents significant tax revenue potential for governments. Tax rates vary substantially across jurisdictions. France plans to implement one of Europe's highest tax rates at 55.6% for online casino operations, while other countries maintain more moderate levels. Hungary applies different tax structures for various gambling types, with online sports betting taxed at 15% and casino operations subject to sliding scale taxation based on annual gross gaming revenue. Advertising and Marketing Restrictions European regulators have implemented increasingly strict advertising controls. Many jurisdictions now prohibit: Sweden's recent regulations have banned bonus offers entirely, while Malta has introduced transparency requirements for promotional materials. These restrictions aim to reduce gambling-related harm while maintaining market competitiveness. Emerging Trends and Future Developments The European casino regulatory landscape continues evolving rapidly. France is expected to launch regulated online casino services in 2025, ending its position as one of only two EU countries (along with Cyprus) to completely ban online casino gaming. Technology integration presents both opportunities and challenges for regulators. Artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies offer new possibilities for ensuring fair play and preventing fraud, while also requiring updated regulatory frameworks to address their implementation. Cross-border enforcement remains a significant challenge, with regulators implementing website blocking measures and payment restrictions to prevent unlicensed operators from serving their markets. Compliance Challenges for Operators Operating across multiple European jurisdictions requires sophisticated compliance programs. Operators must navigate: Varying licensing requirements and renewal processes Different technical standards and game approval procedures Distinct advertising and promotional restrictions Multiple tax regimes and reporting obligations Diverse responsible gambling requirements The complexity has led to increased licensing costs and stricter criteria, effectively thinning the competitive field while raising operational standards. What's next for European casino regulation? The European casino regulatory environment will likely continue fragmenting in the short term, with individual countries pursuing distinct approaches based on their specific social and economic priorities. However, pressure for greater harmonization may increase as cross-border issues become more complex and the industry continues growing. While there will be no single EU-wide gambling law in 2025, the European Commission and Court of Justice continue developing oversight principles that member states must align with. This suggests a gradual movement toward greater regulatory coordination, even without full harmonization. Success in the European casino market requires operators to maintain flexibility, invest in robust compliance systems, and stay current with rapidly evolving regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions. For players, this regulatory evolution ultimately aims to provide safer, more transparent gaming experiences while preserving the entertainment value that makes casino gaming popular across Europe.
Agriland
13-05-2025
- Business
- Agriland
EU approves €60m state aid for Nestlé pet food plant in Italy
The Italian division of the Swiss food and drink giant Nestlé has been approval to receive €60 million in state aid funding from the government in Italy to support the construction of a pet food plant. The European Commission granted approval to Nestlé Italiana for the measure under EU state aid rules. It is understood that the new production plant for wet pet food will be based in the municipality of Mantua, Lombardy in the north of Italy. Nestlé The commission said that the aid will take the form of a direct grant for the construction of the factory and the production line. 'The measure will help promote a smart, competitive, resilient and diversified agricultural sector that guarantees long-term food security. 'It will also support environmental protection and climate action, contribute to EU climate goals, and help strengthen the socio-economic fabric of rural areas,' the commission said in its assessment. The commission added that the aid will run until June 30, 2029. The commission assessed the scheme under EU State aid rules, and in particular under the guidelines for state aid in the agricultural and forestry sectors and in rural areas. It also assessed the proposal under the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union which allows member states to support the development of certain economic activities under certain conditions. The commission found that the measure is 'necessary, appropriate and proportionate to contribute to a sustainable growth of the agricultural sector'. On this basis, the commission approved the scheme.
Saudi Gazette
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Germany denies plan to declare state of emergency to tackle migration
BERLIN — The German government has denied a media report claiming that the newly elected Chancellor Friedrich Merz had declared a state of national emergency in a bid to ramp up border controls. A spokesperson for the government cleared the rumours on Thursday, assuring the public that the special Brussels clause, Article 72 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, has not been triggered. "The chancellor is not declaring a national emergency," said Stefan Kornelius, speaking to local media. Earlier on Thursday, German media outlet, Die Welt, reported that the new federal government is planning to invoke the EU clause. If passed, national law would apply to border protection and internal security with immediate effect. This would trigger extensive tightening of border controls, as well as result in the rejection of asylum applications. It would also be the first time Germany, an EU founding member, attempted to suspend the bloc's law. However, Brussels would first have to decide on whether or not to approve the same clause was invoked by Italy in 2023 to tackle what the government called an alarming immigration report also claimed that ambassadors of countries neighbouring Germany were briefed by the Interior Ministry on the matter, but it wasn't made clear on when the national emergency will German officials told Euronews that Merz wants to declare a national emergency to step up the increased deportations of people attempting to enter Germany illegally via a safe EU Wednesday, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said he had instructed federal police to tighten border controls with the aim of turning back more irregular migrants, including those who intended to seek asylum.'We will control the borders more also lead to a higher number of rejections,' Dobrindt said less than a day after being sworn into Dobrindt said that vulnerable people, including children and pregnant women, would not be turned away at the plans attracted criticism from both Poland and Austria, and their legality has been questioned by some experts. — Euronews
Euronews
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
German government denies rumoured plans to declare state of emergency
The German government has denied a media report claiming that the newly elected Chancellor Friedrich Merz had declared a state of national emergency in a bid to ramp up border controls. A spokesperson for the government cleared the rumours on Thursday, assuring the public that the special Brussels clause, Article 72 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, has not been triggered. "The chancellor is not declaring a national emergency," said Stefan Kornelius, speaking to local media. Earlier on Thursday, German media outlet, Die Welt, reported that the new federal government is planning to invoke the EU clause. If passed, national law would apply to border protection and internal security with immediate effect. This would trigger extensive tightening of border controls, as well as result in the rejection of asylum applications. It would also be the first time Germany, an EU founding member, attempted to suspend the bloc's law. However, Brussels would first have to decide on whether or not to approve the request. The same clause was invoked by Italy in 2023 to tackle what the government called an alarming immigration crisis. The report also claimed that ambassadors of countries neighbouring Germany were briefed by the Interior Ministry on the matter, but it wasn't made clear on when the national emergency will begin. Separately, German officials told Euronews that Merz wants to declare a national emergency to step up the increased deportations of people attempting to enter Germany illegally via a safe EU country. On Wednesday, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said he had instructed federal police to tighten border controls with the aim of turning back more irregular migrants, including those who intended to seek asylum. 'We will control the borders more strictly…will also lead to a higher number of rejections,' Dobrindt said less than a day after being sworn into office. However, Dobrindt said that vulnerable people, including children and pregnant women, would not be turned away at the border. Those plans attracted criticism from both Poland and Austria, and their legality has been questioned by some experts.
Euronews
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Germany's Chancellor to declare state of emergency over migration
Germany's new Chancellor Friedrich Merz intends to declare a state of emergency on migration, the Welt newspaper has reported. Euronews has been told by government officials that Merz wants to declare a national emergency in order to step up the increased deportations of people attempting to enter Germany illegally via a safe EU country. Merz and Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt want to invoke Article 72 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. This would mean that national law would apply to border protection and internal security with immediate effect. However, Brussels would first have to decide on this. Ambassadors of neighbouring countries are being briefed by the interior ministry about the move, the paper said. But it is not immediately clear when the national emergency is set to begin. Government sources told Euronews that the interior ministry is already making extensive preparations for the state of emergency. On Wednesday, Dobrindt said he had instructed federal police to tighten border controls with the aim of turning back more irregular migrants, including those who intended to seek asylum. 'We will control the borders more strictly…will also lead to a higher number of rejections,' Dobrindt said less than a day after being sworn into office. Dobrindt said however that vulnerable people, including children and pregnant women, would not be turned back at the border. Those plans attracted criticism from both Poland and Austria and its legality has been questioned by some legal experts. But it's widely considered that Merz declaring a state of emergency means he protects himself against legal challenges. Martin has condemned what he described as Israel's weaponisation of basic life necessities, referring to the country's restriction on food and aid from entering the strip for almost two months. He told The Europe Conversation that this raises very significant issues for the European Union and the human rights laws which are central to the bloc's existence. 'In my view, this constitutes a war crime,' the Irish Prime Minister, who belongs to the Fianna Fáil party, said. 'And I don't say that easily.' He argued that he is in favour of a resolution, and wants the release of the hostages, stating it is 'shocking to take people as hostages'. In November 2023, Martin visited a kibbutz where around 10% of the population was attacked during the 7 October attack by Hamas. 'I went to see, first hand, the impact of the horrific Hamas attack on Israel. I've condemned it from the outset when I went there to show empathy to people who have been attacked,' he said, adding that the hostages should have been released a long time ago. He said however that the war waged in response has 'lost any moral compass in terms of its unacceptable impact on the civilian population and on children'. 'And in Ireland, there is this sadness now and horror and a sense of helplessness at what we see on our TV screens: young children in stretchers and hospitals, very badly injured. Many families being wiped out, kids being orphaned. From a humanity point of view, it's beyond comprehension.' The Taoiseach denounced what he called Israel's 'doubling down' in terms of intensification of the war on the ground. 'I know that Israel would say, well, Hamas is in the hospitals and so forth. But children need basic access to medicine,' he said. Martin met with Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels on Thursday, discussing matters ranging from trade and support for Ukraine to the Middle East. During this meeting, the Taoiseach shared his concerns about the ongoing humanitarian crisis. 'I think the president heard clearly my perspective on it. And I think she understands where I'm coming from and where others are coming from,' Martin said. 'I anticipate that there will be a lot of thinking across Europe on this issue.' While he welcomed the European Union's announcement of the recent €1.6 billion financial support package for Palestinians, Martin noted that, when it comes to a response, he doesn't believe there is a consensus within the European Union. 'I acknowledge and I understand the different backgrounds of member states, and the historic background that has informed member states' approach to the Middle East,' he said. 'But there is an unacceptable level of death and destruction and displacement [in Gaza]. And it is, many people have said, going back to 2011, it's hell on earth.' He argued that the EU has been quick to communicate its concerns to other countries around the world when they violate territorial integrity, adding that this is fundamental to the European Union and what it stands for. Israel argued in the past that the restriction of aid is lawful and that Gaza still has enough available provisions. Israeli foreign minister Gideon Sa'ar announced the closure of the Israeli embassy in Dublin in December last year due to what he described as the "extreme anti-Israel policy of the Irish government" which he characterised as "antisemitism". Last month, Fine Gael - in coalition with Martin's Fianna Fáil - confirmed its delegates at the European People's Party's Valencia congress refused to put their names to a motion condemning Hamas' October 7, 2023 attacks in Israel and calling for the release of remaining hostages, and defended the party's position, as reported. Euronews has contacted the Israeli embassy in Brussels and the mission of Israel to the EU and NATO for a response.
