EU Gambling Regulation Comparison Tool
Compare gambling laws and regulatory frameworks across multiple EU countries side-by-side. Select countries to analyze licensing requirements, legal status, advertising rules, and player protections.
⚠ Legal Disclaimer
This tool provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with official sources and consult qualified legal counsel for specific compliance matters.
Select Countries to Compare
Choose 2-5 countries to generate a detailed side-by-side comparison of their gambling regulations.
Comparison Results
How to Use This Comparison Tool
This regulatory comparison tool allows compliance professionals, researchers, and interested parties to quickly assess differences in gambling frameworks across EU member states. The tool is designed to provide a high-level overview for initial research purposes.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Select Countries: Click on 2-5 countries you wish to compare. Selected countries will be highlighted with a cyan border.
- Generate Comparison: Click the "Generate Comparison" button to create a side-by-side analysis table.
- Filter Categories: Use the category checkboxes to show or hide specific regulatory areas.
- Export Results: Download the comparison as a CSV file or print it for your records.
Understanding the Comparison Categories
The tool compares countries across several key regulatory dimensions that matter most for compliance assessment and market entry decisions:
Licensing Framework
This category covers the fundamental structure of each country's gambling authorization system. Some countries operate open licensing regimes where qualified operators can apply for licenses, while others maintain state monopolies or impose significant barriers to entry. Understanding the licensing model is the first step in any market assessment.
For detailed information on how licensing works across the EU, see our guide on EU Gambling Laws Explained.
Permitted Products
EU countries vary significantly in which gambling products they allow. Some permit the full range (casino, sports betting, poker, lottery), while others restrict certain verticals. For example, France permits sports betting and poker but prohibits online casino games, while Germany's recent reforms now allow all product types under strict conditions.
Learn more about these distinctions in our article on Online Casino vs Sports Betting regulations.
Advertising Restrictions
Gambling advertising rules have become increasingly strict across Europe. Some countries impose near-total bans, while others permit regulated advertising with specific requirements. This category is particularly important for affiliates and marketing professionals.
Player Protection
All EU jurisdictions require some level of responsible gambling measures, but the specifics vary. This includes self-exclusion systems, deposit limits, reality checks, and access to problem gambling resources. Our Self-Exclusion Systems comparison provides more detail on this specific area.
Taxation
Tax structures range from gross gaming revenue (GGR) based systems to turnover taxes, with rates varying dramatically. This category provides essential information for financial planning and market viability assessments. For detailed tax calculations, use our Gambling Tax Calculator to estimate obligations by country and product type.
Why Compare Gambling Regulations?
Understanding regulatory differences across EU member states serves multiple purposes:
- Market Entry Planning: Operators considering expansion need to understand licensing requirements, costs, and timelines for each target market.
- Compliance Assessment: Companies operating across multiple jurisdictions must maintain compliance with varying rules on advertising, player protection, and reporting.
- Research & Journalism: Analysts and journalists benefit from quick access to comparative regulatory data when writing about the European gambling landscape.
- Policy Analysis: Policymakers and advocacy groups can use comparative data to assess different regulatory approaches and their outcomes.
Additional Resources
For country-specific details beyond what this comparison tool provides, visit our dedicated country pages:
- Germany Gambling Regulations – Federal licensing, state variations, strict advertising rules
- France Gambling Regulations – ANJ oversight, sports/poker only, casino prohibition
- Italy Gambling Regulations – ADM licensing, high license fees, advertising restrictions
- Netherlands Gambling Regulations – KSA oversight, strict advertising controls, player protections
- Spain Gambling Regulations – DGOJ licensing, regional variations, advertising limits
For definitions of regulatory terms used in this tool, consult our Glossary which explains concepts like GGR, RTP, KYC/AML requirements, and self-exclusion frameworks.
External References
For official regulatory information, we recommend consulting:
- UK Gambling Commission International Cooperation – information on cross-border regulatory collaboration
- European Commission Online Gambling Page – EU-level policy context
- Financial Action Task Force (FATF) – international AML standards affecting gambling operators
Responsible Gambling Resources
If you or someone you know needs support:
- BeGambleAware – UK-based support and information
- Gambling Therapy – international support services
Last Updated: December 2025