Gambling Advertising Compliance Checker
Check if your gambling advertising content complies with EU country regulations. Analyze ads for content restrictions, timing rules, required warnings, and prohibited elements across 12 EU markets.
How this tool works: Select your target countries, describe your advertising content, and check for potential compliance issues. The tool analyzes your ad against each country's advertising regulations and highlights areas that may require attention. This tool references requirements from national gambling regulators across the EU, including sources from the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) and the European Commission.
Compliance Assessment
Your advertising appears to have potential compliance issues that should be reviewed.
⚠ Compliance Issues Found
✅ Required Elements
🕒 Timing Restrictions
🚫 Prohibited Content
Advertising Regulation Comparison
| Regulation Area |
|---|
EU Gambling Advertising Restrictions at a Glance
This quick reference summarizes key advertising restrictions across major EU markets. For detailed country-specific requirements, see our Gambling Advertising Bans in the EU guide and Advertising Timing & Watershed Restrictions analysis.
| Country | TV Restrictions | Bonus Advertising | Celebrity/Athlete Use | Required Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 6:00-21:00 Ban | Banned | Restricted | RG message, 18+, helpline |
| Netherlands | 6:00-21:00 Ban | Banned | Banned | RG message, 18+, AGOG link |
| Spain | 6:00-01:00 Ban | Banned | Banned | RG warning, 18+, helpline, license |
| Italy | Full Ban | Banned | Banned | N/A (advertising prohibited) |
| France | Watershed (20:00-06:00) | Restricted | Restricted | RG message, 18+, helpline |
| Sweden | Moderate restrictions | Restricted | Restricted | RG message, 18+, Spelpaus |
| Belgium | Full Ban (from 2025) | Banned | Banned | N/A (advertising prohibited) |
| Malta | Permitted | Restricted | Permitted | RG message, 18+, license |
Important: Regulations change frequently. According to the UK Gambling Commission's advertising guidance (often used as a benchmark), operators should verify current requirements with the relevant national regulator before launching campaigns. The ICLG Gambling Laws and Regulations guide provides additional country-by-country legal analysis.
Common Compliance Requirements
⚠ Mandatory Warnings
- Responsible gambling message
- Age restriction (18+/21+)
- National helpline number
- Self-exclusion system reference
- Operator license information
🚫 Prohibited Elements
- Content targeting minors
- Guaranteed winning claims
- Gambling as financial solution
- Encouraging excessive play
- Misleading bonus terms
🕒 Timing Considerations
- Watershed restrictions (TV/radio)
- Sports event exclusions
- Youth programming bans
- Prime time limitations
- Weekend/holiday restrictions
Understanding EU Gambling Advertising Regulations
Gambling advertising in the European Union is governed by a patchwork of national regulations rather than a unified EU-wide framework. Each member state has developed its own rules based on public health concerns, consumer protection priorities, and cultural attitudes toward gambling. This creates a complex compliance landscape for operators seeking to advertise across multiple markets.
According to research published by the National Institutes of Health (NCBI), gambling advertising has measurable effects on gambling behavior, particularly among young people and those with gambling problems. This evidence base has driven increasingly strict regulations across the EU.
Key Regulatory Trends
Several trends are shaping EU gambling advertising regulation:
- Advertising bans expanding: Countries like Italy and Belgium have moved to near-total advertising bans, with others considering similar measures
- Bonus advertising restrictions: Most regulated markets now prohibit or heavily restrict welcome bonus advertising, particularly in Germany, Netherlands, and Spain
- Celebrity endorsement bans: Use of athletes, celebrities, and influencers is increasingly restricted to prevent appeals to younger audiences
- Digital channel focus: Regulators are increasingly targeting social media, affiliate marketing, and influencer content
- Watershed enforcement: TV and radio advertising restrictions during daytime hours are being strengthened
For detailed analysis of advertising restrictions by country, see our comprehensive guide on Gambling Advertising Bans and Restrictions in the EU.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with advertising regulations can result in significant penalties. Use our EU Gambling Penalty Estimator to understand potential fines across different jurisdictions. Common consequences include:
- Financial penalties: Fines can reach millions of euros in major markets like Germany, Spain, and Italy
- License suspension: Repeated violations may lead to temporary or permanent license revocation
- Reputational damage: Public enforcement actions are typically publicized by regulators
- Market exclusion: Serious violations can result in blacklisting from regulated markets
For more on enforcement trends, see our guide on Gambling Operator Fines and Sanctions in the EU.
Influencer and Affiliate Marketing
Special rules apply to influencer marketing and affiliate content across EU markets. Key considerations include:
- Disclosure requirements for sponsored content
- Age verification of influencer audiences
- Restrictions on influencers with primarily under-25 followings
- Affiliate content compliance responsibilities
Learn more in our dedicated guides on Gambling Influencer Marketing Regulation in the EU and Affiliate Marketing Rules for Gambling in the EU.
⚠ Legal Disclaimer
This tool provides general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Gambling advertising regulations are complex and subject to frequent changes. Always verify current requirements with the relevant national regulator and consult qualified legal counsel before launching advertising campaigns. Official sources include the European Gaming and Betting Association and national gambling regulators.
Related Tools and Resources
- EU Gambling Penalty Estimator – Estimate potential fines for advertising violations
- Compliance Checklist Generator – Generate customized compliance checklists
- Compliance Risk Assessor – Assess overall market compliance risks
- EU Gambling Legality Checker – Check gambling legality by country
- Gambling Advertising Bans in the EU – Comprehensive advertising restrictions guide
- Influencer Marketing Regulation – Social media and influencer rules
- Glossary – Definitions of regulatory terms
Last Updated: January 2026