What Are European Online Casinos?
In a nutshell, these are casinos that accept players from Europe and have been granted at least one type of license from a European country, such as the UK, Sweden, Germany, etc.
There are two types of European casinos in our list
- Casinos that target your specific country: These are tailored for your region, meaning they are licensed by your country and allow bonuses and deposits in your official currency, such as Euro or GBP (Sterling).
- Casinos that don’t specifically target your country: However, they still accept players from that specific country.
Understanding the importance of EU laws and regulations when it comes to gambling at online casinos in Europe will always help you in the long run, as we will see shortly.
But for now, let me give you some examples of countries that regulate gambling and have their own licensing bodies.
Popular names include
- The United Kingdom with its UKGC (United Kingdom Gambling Commission)
- Sweden with its Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen)
- Germany with its Gemeinsame Glucksspielbehorde der Lander (GGL)
- Malta with its Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
There are also lesser known authorities
- Belgium with Gaming Commission (GC)
- Italy with L’agenzia Delle Accise, Dogane e Monopoli (ADM)
- Spain with Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego
- Gibraltar with Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner
Regardless of popularity, these authorities exist to protect players and help make gambling safe and fair for everyone.
How to Find the Best Online Casinos In Europe for You
Choosing the perfect online European casino can be easy if you know what to look for. You just need to make some preparations and be diligent with your research. Here are some important factors you should consider when deciding to pick from casinos online in Europe.
Type of License
Make sure the casino has a license from a European country. This ensures it meets strict standards for safety and fairness.
If your country already has gambling regulated, it’s best to go for casinos that are licensed by your country. If it hasn't, look for platforms regulated by reputable names like the Malta Gaming Authority.
Bonuses Offered
EU licensed casinos often provide attractive bonuses. Look for welcome bonuses, free spins, and no-deposit bonus codes. Not all casinos feature these goodies (around 12% of all the casinos in database actually include a free bonus on sign-up.
For example, a good offer can consist of a no deposit bonus (like, $100, or 50 free spins) and a welcome pack, typically in the form of a match bonus for your first, second or third deposit.
Popular Software Providers
The best casinos offer games from top software providers like NetEnt, Games Global, and Playtech. These companies are known for high-quality games with great graphics and engaging gameplay.
Games
A European casino should offer a wide variety of games, including slots, table games like blackjack and roulette, live dealer games, and possibly sports betting. The more variety, the better your gaming experience.
Payment Options
Look for casinos that offer a range of payment methods, including credit cards, e-wallets like PayPal and Skrill, or bank transfers. Flexible payment options make deposits and withdrawals easier.
Make sure your preferred payment method is accepted in your country. For instance, using PayPal for gambling transactions is not allowed in the US, so a gambler from the US cannot use PayPal when gambling at a European casino.
VIP & Loyalty Programs
Many casinos online in Europe have VIP or loyalty programs to reward regular players. These can offer benefits like exclusive bonuses, faster withdrawals, and personal account managers. Programs that reward you for playing can enhance your overall experience.
The Importance of Playing at European Licensed Casinos
You can by all means choose to play at unlicensed online casinos, but you do so at your own risks. The biggest warning I can give you is that, depending on your country, you might even get in trouble if you gamble at unregulated casinos.
As such, I want to talk to you about the importance of prioritizing EU-licensed casinos.
Know about licensed vs. unlicensed Europe online casinos
In licensed markets, online gambling is overseen by specific national laws and regulatory bodies. This means casinos must obtain a license from the local authority to operate legally.
In contrast, non-regulated markets don't have specific laws governing online gambling, leaving you with less protection and little to no means of solving disputes.
Don’t believe me? Allow me to provide you with more food for thought, then:
| Licensed Casinos | Unlicensed Casinos |
| You get access to self-help tools like self-ban programs, deposit and loss limits, and resources for gambling problems. | They might not offer ways to protect players, lacking support or help services. |
| Licensed casinos ensure game fairness with tested random number generators (RNGs). | You could find games that haven't been checked for fairness or honest play. |
| You can turn to regulatory bodies or consumer laws if there's a problem. | Without oversight, resolving disputes or issues with the casino can be difficult. |
| Your money is kept safe, and casinos must follow best practices for quick and secure financial transactions. | You risk losing your money with no guarantee of payments, especially if the casino closes or fails. |
Can you play at EU casinos without a license from your country?
In theory, you can, but again, this heavily depends on the country you are from. Some countries don’t allow their residents to play at casinos that haven’t been greenlit by their own country.
The UK is one such example. The region is very strict, so for your safety and peace of mind, it’s best to choose casinos licensed by the UKGC.
But if you come from a non-regulated country...
It’s okay to choose platforms licensed by a third-party authority. Still, make sure it’s about a reputable authority that values your safety, such as the MGA.
Additionally, if you plan on playing at EU casinos from another country than yours, pay attention to its rules. Austria, for instance, doesn’t accept players from other countries.
A Crash Course On European Gambling Legislation
European online casinos must follow strict rules to operate. Some are overseen by a regulatory body from a specific country, while others might be licensed by a different authority.
These organizations give out licenses, monitor online casinos, and act if any rules are ignored or violated.
For a casino operator to offer its services to players from Europe, it must follow a handful of laws and comply with the authority’s examination process.
Overall, when it comes to applying for a gambling license, the operator must meet some basic requirements.
Here are some of the most important ones:
- It has to provide clear and transparent business plans;
- It has to offer clear and detailed information about the services and games it wants to provide;
- It has to demonstrate its commitment for responsible gambling and for combating money laundering.
The authority will verify not only those but it will also do research on the operator’s background to check if everything is on the right track and if it’s able to pay taxes and honor every other requirement.
A Note on Taxes and Profits From Gambling in Europe
Tax rules for winnings and bonuses from online gambling differ a lot between European countries, because each country has its own laws about gambling taxes.
Whether you pay taxes depends on how much you win and how often.
For example
In Sweden, gambling winnings can be taxed if they're seen as income. In Germany, professional poker players might also pay taxes on their winnings as income.
On the other hand, countries that (so far) are completely tax-free include The UK, Malta, and Gibraltar.
That's why it's important to understand the gambling laws in your country.
Do Not Overlook the Importance of Constant Responsible Gambling
Responsible gambling at European online casinos is crucial for ensuring that gaming remains a fun and safe activity rather than becoming a problem. It's about maintaining control, understanding the risks, and knowing when it's time to stop.
Several organizations across Europe are dedicated to addressing problem gambling. For example:
- GamCare in the UK offers confidential support and counseling for anyone affected by gambling problems.
- BeGambleAware provides information to help people make informed decisions about their gambling habits.
- Spielerschutz in Germany focuses on protecting players and offers tools for self-exclusion and self-assessment tests.
- Gamblers Anonymous - This is an international organization that anyone who might be struggling with gambling addiction can turn to.
- The Gaming Regulators European Forum (GREF) is a group made up of members from gambling regulatory bodies across Europe. This organization provides essential information and support, including for issues related to problem gambling.
- The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) is a non-profit organization dedicated to offering expert guidance and advice to ensure gambling remains secure and responsible.
Choose European Licensed Casinos For Safer Gambling
Choosing to play at casinos with a European license is important for anyone looking for a safe and fair place to play online games.
These casinos follow strict rules that protect players, making sure games are fair and help is available if gambling becomes a problem.
When you pick a casino licensed in Europe, you're in a safer and better-regulated environment. This means not only having fun playing games but also being protected and treated fairly.
To have a positive experience, pay close attention to important details, ranging from payments, games, and bonuses, to reviews and licenses.
