How EU elections may impact online gaming regulation

Online gambling regulations across the European Union (EU) make up a diverse patchwork of regulatory frameworks, reflecting the varying socio-cultural contexts and public policy objectives of each member state. These national regulatory systems must, however, comply with overarching EU law as determined by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU).

Impact of European Elections

The regulatory frameworks for online gambling in the EU can also be influenced by the outcomes of EU elections. The EU has the authority to introduce common rules for online gambling, although achieving political consensus on this issue can be challenging. EU elections may shift the balance of power and influence regulatory policy directions. A political group prioritizing consumer protection and public health might push for stricter regulations and enhanced enforcement mechanisms. Conversely, a group focused on economic growth and innovation might advocate for more liberal regulatory frameworks, potentially easing restrictions and encouraging market expansion.

EU elections also affect the interpretation and enforcement of existing EU laws related to online gambling. Changes in the political landscape can lead to shifts in the composition of the CJEU, potentially influencing its rulings on the compliance of national regulatory frameworks with EU law. These judicial decisions play a crucial role in shaping the regulatory environment across member states.

The results of EU elections can indirectly affect the online gambling industry through broader economic policies. A pro-business EU stance might result in policies that favour the growth and competitiveness of the online gambling sector, while a consumer-centric approach could lead to more stringent regulations aimed at protecting gamblers and reducing the risks associated with online gambling.

This table here provides a concise overview of the online gambling regulations in various EU countries.

Country	Online Gambling Regulation
?Austria	Monopolized online casino gaming.
?Belgium	Legal online gaming with partnership and licensing requirements.
?Bulgaria	Legal online gambling with EU licence.
?Croatia	Legal and regulated online gambling.
??Cyprus	Only sports betting is legal.
?Czech Republic	Legal and regulated online gambling with local entity requirement.
?Denmark	Legal online gambling with licensing system.
?Estonia	Legal and regulated online gambling with licence requirement.
??Finland	State-owned entities only.
??France	Only sports betting and poker are legal.
??Germany	Partially legal online gambling with strict regulations.
?Greece	Legal and regulated online gambling.
??Hungary	Only state-controlled organizations can operate casinos.
?Ireland	Legal online gambling with EU licence.
?Italy	Legal and regulated online gambling.
?Latvia	Legal and regulated online gambling.
?Lithuania	Legal online gambling with strict regulations.
?Luxembourg	Online casino gaming is illegal.
?Malta	Legal and highly regulated online gaming hub.
?Netherlands	Legal and regulated online gambling since 2021.
??Poland	Partially legal online gambling with state monopoly.
?Portugal	Legal and regulated online gambling.
?Romania	Legal and regulated online gambling.

In countries like Austria and Finland, online gambling is largely monopolized. Austria has limited options for private operators, maintaining tight control over online casino gaming. Similarly, Finland restricts gambling services to state-owned entities, ensuring state control over the industry.

National regulatory frameworks and monopoly systems

Several countries have opted for strict licensing systems to regulate online gambling. Belgium requires online gaming operators to partner with existing land-based casinos and adhere to stringent licensing requirements. Denmark, Estonia, and Italy also maintain regulated markets where operators must obtain licenses to offer online gambling services.

Other countries have legalized online gambling but enforce specific regulatory frameworks. Bulgaria allows online gambling but requires operators to obtain a licence from another EU country. Croatia, Greece, Latvia, and Lithuania have established their licensing systems to regulate the market. Malta is a notable hub for online gaming, with a highly regulated environment and licenses issued by the Malta Gaming Authority.

Some EU countries have a mixed approach. Germany has partially legalized online gambling with strict regulations and licensing requirements. Poland operates a state monopoly on certain gambling activities, with partial legalization and stringent regulations for online gambling.

In contrast, several countries have stringent restrictions or outright bans on online casino gaming. Cyprus only permits sports betting, making other forms of online casino games illegal. France allows sports betting and poker but bans online casinos. Luxembourg has a blanket ban on online casino gaming.