Live Casino Regulation in the EU: Licensing, Compliance, and Country-by-Country Analysis

Understanding Live Casino in the Regulatory Context

Live casino represents a distinct category within online gambling that combines elements of land-based casino gaming with remote digital access. Unlike standard online casino games powered by random number generators (RNGs), live dealer games feature human croupiers dealing physical cards or spinning actual roulette wheels, with results streamed to players in real-time via video.

This hybrid nature creates unique regulatory challenges. According to the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), live casino operations must satisfy requirements for both online gambling platforms and the physical integrity standards typically associated with land-based venues. The result is a complex compliance framework that operators and suppliers must navigate across multiple jurisdictions.

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) estimates that live casino now accounts for a significant portion of online gambling revenue in regulated European markets, with year-over-year growth consistently outpacing traditional RNG casino products. This growth has intensified regulatory focus on ensuring adequate consumer protections and fair play standards.

The Live Casino Supply Chain

Understanding how live casino regulation works requires understanding the industry structure. The live casino ecosystem involves several distinct participants, each with specific regulatory obligations:

Game Providers (B2B Suppliers)

Companies like Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, and Ezugi develop live casino technology, operate physical studios, and supply games to licensed operators. These providers must hold B2B gambling licenses authorizing them to supply games in regulated markets. The UK Gambling Commission and Malta Gaming Authority are among the primary B2B licensing authorities, though providers serving specific EU markets typically need additional certifications.

Studio Operations

Live casino studios are specialized facilities housing the gaming tables, dealers, cameras, and streaming infrastructure. Studios may be operated by game providers themselves or as white-label facilities serving multiple providers. Studio locations are strategically chosen based on regulatory environment, talent availability, and operational costs. Major hub locations include:

• Malta: Evolution, Playtech, and numerous smaller providers operate studios on the island
• Latvia (Riga): A major European studio hub with favorable operating conditions
• Romania: Growing studio presence, particularly for Evolution and local providers
• Georgia (Tbilisi): Significant studio operations serving European and global markets
• Philippines (Manila): Primarily serves Asian markets but some EU-facing operations

Licensed Operators (B2C)

Online casinos that offer live dealer games to consumers must hold appropriate B2C (business-to-consumer) licenses in each market they serve. The operator bears ultimate responsibility for compliance, including ensuring their live casino suppliers meet local requirements. For details on operator licensing, see our comprehensive guide on how EU gambling laws work.

Core Regulatory Requirements for Live Casino

While specific requirements vary by jurisdiction, several common regulatory themes apply to live casino operations across EU regulated markets:

Game Integrity and Fairness

Regulators require demonstrable fairness in live casino games through multiple mechanisms:

• Independent testing: Games must be certified by accredited testing laboratories such as eCOGRA, BMM Testlabs, or Gaming Laboratories International (GLI)
• Equipment standards: Physical gaming equipment (cards, wheels, shuffle machines) must meet certified specifications
• Procedural compliance: Dealing procedures, card shuffling, and game management must follow documented protocols
• Video recording: All game sessions must be recorded and retained for regulatory review (typically 3-7 years depending on jurisdiction)
• Random outcomes: For games with random elements, certified shuffle machines or other approved randomization methods are required

Streaming and Technology Standards

The technology infrastructure supporting live casino must meet specific standards:

• Stream quality: Video must be clear enough to verify game outcomes, typically requiring minimum resolution standards
• Latency requirements: Acceptable delay between physical events and player display, usually under 2 seconds
• Backup systems: Redundancy for power, internet, and broadcasting equipment
• Data protection: Compliance with GDPR and applicable data protection regulations for video streams and player data
• Network security: Encryption and security measures preventing stream tampering or unauthorized access

Responsible Gambling Integration

Live casino games must incorporate the same responsible gambling tools required for other online gambling products:

• Session time displays: Clear indication of how long players have been active
• Spending information: Real-time display of wins, losses, and net position
• Self-exclusion compliance: Integration with national self-exclusion systems (OASIS, Cruks, Spelpaus, etc.)
• Deposit limit enforcement: Application of player-set and regulatory deposit limits
• Reality check interruptions: Periodic reminders about gambling duration and spending

For more on responsible gambling requirements, see our article on problem gambling prevention measures in the EU.

Staff and Dealer Requirements

Live casino personnel face specific regulatory requirements:

• Training certification: Dealers must complete approved training programs covering game rules, procedures, and responsible gambling awareness
• Background checks: Criminal background verification for studio staff
• Ongoing monitoring: Supervision systems to detect procedural errors or suspicious behavior
• Responsible gambling training: Staff must recognize and respond to signs of problem gambling

Country-by-Country Live Casino Regulation

The following analysis covers major EU markets and their specific approaches to live casino regulation:

Malta: The Industry Hub

Malta serves as the primary European base for live casino operations, hosting numerous studios and provider headquarters. The Malta Gaming Authority regulates both B2B suppliers and B2C operators under a comprehensive framework:

• B2B Critical Gaming Supply License: Required for live casino game providers
• Studio inspection: MGA conducts on-site inspections of Malta-based studios
• Technical compliance: Games must meet MGA technical standards and be tested by approved laboratories
• Player protection: Full responsible gambling requirements including self-exclusion, deposit limits, and reality checks

Malta-licensed providers can supply games to operators in other jurisdictions, though additional market-specific certifications may be required.

Germany: Strict Controls

Germany's Interstate Treaty on Gambling (Glücksspielstaatsvertrag) and the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) impose specific requirements on live casino operations:

• Licensed operators only: Live casino games may only be offered by operators holding German online casino licenses
• Monthly deposit limits: €1,000 cross-operator limit applies to live casino deposits
• OASIS integration: Live casino must check players against the national self-exclusion register
• LUGAS compliance: Player activity tracked through the central monitoring system
• Stake limits: Individual bet limits apply (typically €1 per spin equivalent)
• Game restrictions: Certain game types may face additional restrictions

For comprehensive coverage of German gambling regulation, see our Germany country guide.

Spain: Comprehensive Framework

Spain's Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ) regulates live casino under the general online gambling license regime:

• License requirement: Operators need specific authorization for "other games" category covering casino products
• Game certification: Live casino games must be certified for the Spanish market
• Advertising restrictions: Promotional content for live casino faces strict timing restrictions (no advertising 1:00-20:00)
• Responsible gambling: Full integration with Spanish self-exclusion system (RGIAJ)
• Tax obligations: 20% gross gaming revenue tax applies

More details available on our Spain country page.

Italy: High-Barrier Market

The Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM) oversees Italian live casino regulation with strict entry requirements:

• Expensive licenses: 2026 Italian gambling licenses cost €7 million each, among the highest in Europe
• Game homologation: All live casino games require specific Italian certification
• Advertising ban: Decreto Dignità prohibits gambling advertising, limiting live casino promotion
• Local compliance: Specific technical requirements for Italian market including language and currency
• Tax rate: Significant GGR taxation on casino products

See our Italy country guide for the full regulatory picture.

Netherlands: New but Strict

The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has regulated online gambling including live casino since October 2021:

• Licensed operators: Only KSA-licensed operators may offer live casino
• Cruks integration: Mandatory check against Dutch self-exclusion register before each session
• Cooling-off periods: Required breaks during extended play sessions
• Advertising restrictions: Untargeted bonus advertising prohibited, strict age-targeting requirements
• Player verification: Strong identity verification required before play

Our Netherlands country page provides additional context.

France: Online Casino Prohibited

France represents a notable exception in the EU live casino landscape. The Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) only permits online sports betting, horse racing, and poker. Online casino games, including live dealer, are prohibited:

• No live casino: Live dealer games are not permitted under French law
• Sports betting and poker only: Licensed products limited to specific categories
• Potential future change: Ongoing discussions about possible online casino liberalization, though no timeline confirmed

See our France country guide for the current regulatory status.

Sweden: Mature Regulated Market

Sweden's Spelinspektionen regulates live casino as part of the broader online gambling license since the 2019 re-regulation:

• Full product range: Live casino permitted for licensed operators
• Spelpaus integration: Self-exclusion system applies to live casino
• Temporary deposit limits: Pandemic-era temporary restrictions on deposits were lifted but demonstrated regulatory willingness to intervene
• High channelization: Sweden's regulated market captures approximately 80%+ of online gambling activity

Denmark: Well-Established Framework

The Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden) permits live casino under online casino licenses:

• Combined license: Online casino license covers both RNG and live dealer games
• ROFUS integration: Self-exclusion register applies to all licensed gambling
• Technical certification: Games must meet Danish technical standards
• 28% GGR tax: Gross gaming revenue taxation applies

Live Casino Regulatory Comparison

Technology and Data Protection Considerations

Live casino operations involve significant data processing, creating specific compliance obligations under EU data protection law:

GDPR Compliance

Live casino providers and operators must comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

• Video recording: Player consent and legitimate business purposes must be documented for recording game sessions
• Data retention: Balancing regulatory requirements for record retention against data minimization principles
• Cross-border transfers: Studios in non-EU locations must have appropriate data transfer mechanisms
• Player rights: Access, rectification, and erasure rights apply to player data captured during live sessions

Anti-Money Laundering

Live casino operations fall under EU anti-money laundering requirements:

• Customer due diligence: KYC verification required before high-value transactions
• Transaction monitoring: Suspicious activity detection and reporting
• Source of funds: Enhanced due diligence for significant deposits
• Record keeping: Transaction records must be maintained for regulatory periods

Emerging Issues and Future Developments

Several developments are shaping the future of live casino regulation in the EU:

AI and Automation in Studios

The increasing use of artificial intelligence in live casino operations raises regulatory questions:

• Automated dealing assistance: AI systems helping detect procedural errors
• Player behavior analysis: Machine learning for identifying problem gambling patterns
• Chat moderation: Automated systems managing player chat interactions
• Quality assurance: AI-based stream monitoring for technical issues

Immersive Technologies

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) integration into live casino raises new regulatory considerations around player protection, age verification, and game integrity in immersive environments.

Cross-Border Studio Operations

As regulators increasingly scrutinize studio locations, questions arise about:

• Whether studios serving specific markets should be located in those jurisdictions
• Regulatory authority over studios in non-EU locations serving EU players
• Standards for remote regulatory oversight of distributed studio networks

Harmonization Discussions

The Gaming Regulators European Forum (GREF) continues discussions on potential coordination of technical standards for live casino operations, though full harmonization remains distant given divergent national approaches to gambling policy.

Practical Considerations for Stakeholders

For Operators

• Supplier due diligence: Verify live casino suppliers hold appropriate licenses for target markets
• Contract clarity: Ensure supplier agreements address compliance responsibilities
• Market-specific compliance: Confirm games are certified for each regulated market served
• Responsible gambling integration: Verify full integration of required player protection tools

For Providers

• Multi-jurisdictional licensing: Maintain appropriate licenses and certifications for target markets
• Studio compliance: Ensure studio operations meet regulatory requirements of markets served
• Game certification: Keep market-specific game certifications current
• Regulatory monitoring: Track regulatory changes across EU markets

For Players

• Licensed operators: Only play with operators licensed in your jurisdiction
• Game fairness: Look for certification marks from recognized testing laboratories
• Player protection: Use available responsible gambling tools including deposit limits and self-assessment
• Dispute resolution: Understand your rights through licensed ADR processes

Related Resources

• Online Casino vs Sports Betting: How Rules Differ Across the EU
• VIP and Loyalty Programs in EU Gambling - Bonus and incentive regulations
• EU Gambling Compliance Risk Assessor - Interactive compliance evaluation tool
• EU Gambling License Cost Estimator - Compare licensing costs across jurisdictions
• EU Gambling Regulation Comparison Tool - Side-by-side regulatory analysis