10 European Countries Where You Can Play Online Casino Games
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The rules governing online casino gaming are not the same around the world. While some countries are fairly lenient when it comes to casino gaming rules, others can be pretty strict, and it’s entirely possible that some countries may disallow casino gaming entirely. Others still won’t allow businesses to operate casinos within their borders, but will permit citizens to gamble online as long as it’s with a casino that isn’t local. So that you don’t fall foul of local rules, we’ve put together a guide on 10 European countries that don’t look down on online casino gaming. Remember to play responsibly!
1. Malta
Known by many as an online casino gaming paradise, Malta has pretty relaxed rules when it comes to playing and operating online casinos. You need to obtain a license from the government if you want to run a casino in Malta, but many casinos base themselves in this country, and still more Maltese citizens enjoy online casino gaming on a regular basis. Online gaming is actually a very significant portion of the Maltese GDP, so the country has casinos to thank for its prosperity!
2. Switzerland
Online casino gaming in Switzerland was prohibited until 2019, when the country opened up the industry in a big way. Switzerland is now home to plenty of online casinos, and although licensing can be a little restrictive, there are plenty of options available for Swiss citizens to play slots, blackjack, and other favourites. Online platforms like WooCasino are offering great games, excellent rates, and enticing bonuses, so if you’re Swiss, we recommend you start there.
3. United Kingdom
In 2018, estimates suggest that online casino gaming revenue in the United Kingdom reached about £5.6 billion of a total £14.5 billion spent in the casino industry as a whole. It’s obvious, therefore, that the online casino industry in the UK isn’t just permitted, but booming. There are lots of platforms you can check out if you’re a casino gamer in the UK, and remember – if you’re not taken with any native platforms, you can always game with a casino outside of the country!
4. France
Despite the ravages of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the French online gambling and casino gaming industry recovered magnificently last year, mostly thanks to the burgeoning sports betting industry. It’s fair to say that the online casino industry is evergreen; the pandemic has done nothing to dampen spirits for online casino gaming, and although people have a little less money, it’s still just as easy as ever to open up your browser and enjoy some online casino games in France.
5. Spain
Unlike some of its closest geographic and economic neighbours, there aren’t really any restrictions on online gambling in Spain. You’re free to play as many online casino games as you like, and there are a wealth (no pun intended) of great casino platforms designed to cater to the discerning gambler. Spain once had pretty restrictive laws surrounding gambling, but during an economic downturn in the late 70s and early 80s, casino gaming became a solid source of income, and the rest is history.
6. Italy
The Italian government is quite strict when it comes to online gambling. Only those issued a license can operate as online casinos in Italy, but the good news is that online casino gaming within Italy is entirely legal. In fact, Italy boasts the second largest online casino gaming market in the whole of Europe, with profits from this industry rising exponentially as time has progressed. If you’re Italian, you’re participating in a huge economy when you play online casino games!
7. Portugal
Back in 2015, the Portuguese government introduced laws necessitating the acquisition of a license before any operator can open an online casino in the country. However, online casino gaming is perfectly legal in Portugal. The legislation surrounding online casino gaming is pretty heavy, and most Portuguese casinos are geared more towards native Portuguese citizens than worldwide gamblers. However, if you are Portugal-based, you’ll find plenty of online casino gaming options.
8. Belgium
Like many of the countries on this list, Belgium is fairly laissez-faire about the online casino gaming industry. However, it is watched by the country’s authorities. In February this year, a Belgian Royal Decree reduced the number of available online betting licenses in the country from 34 to 31, which may not sound like a big number, but it does show that the authorities are paying attention to the industry. Still, Belgian online casino gaming is very legal and we encourage you to seek out some good Belgian casino platforms!
9. Republic of Ireland
Being adjacent to the UK and thus somewhat similar in some of its values, the Republic of Ireland recently formalised 18 as its age of consent for gambling. The country is also introducing more stringent licensing laws as part of an overall process to overhaul online casino gaming laws, but online casino gaming is – and will remain – completely legal in Ireland. Slots, blackjack, poker, and more favourites are waiting for you on the best Irish casino platforms out there.
10. The Netherlands
We’re cheating a little bit with this one, because right now, the Dutch online gambling sphere is very heavily regulated. However, this year, the country is beginning a lengthy overhaul process that will see more licenses granted to private online casino operators and more online casinos able to open in the Netherlands. We’re looking forward to seeing what the Netherlands brings to the table when it finally opens itself up for online casino gaming business later this year!
