European regulators unite against illegal online gambling

The landscape of online gambling in Europe has undergone substantial transformation in recent years, driven by rapid technological innovation, a higher volume of cross-border activity, and increased consumer engagement through digital platforms. These developments have brought significant economic opportunities for regulated operators and national governments. However, they have also created openings for unlicensed services that operate outside national oversight structures, raising concerns about consumer safety, market integrity, and responsible gambling standards.

Against this background, gambling authorities from Germany, Austria, France, Great Britain, Italy, Portugal and Spain have reached a new multilateral understanding designed to strengthen cooperation and improve enforcement related to illegal online gambling. The agreement, reached during a meeting hosted by the Spanish Directorate General for Gambling Regulation (DGOJ) on 12 November, aims to reduce regulatory gaps that illegal operators may exploit, while reinforcing systems that protect consumers across borders.

This joint initiative represents a notable step in the ongoing evolution of European gambling regulation, especially at a time when governments and regulators face increasing pressure to address unlicensed operators, cross-border marketing, and the circulation of unauthorised gambling advertisements.

Background to the new cooperative framework

Cross-border challenges associated with digital gambling

Officials from the participating countries emphasised that the borderless nature of the internet has created an environment in which illegal gambling operators are able to reach consumers in multiple states without meeting national licensing requirements. Many of these operators are based outside the European Union or operate through complex digital infrastructures that make enforcement increasingly difficult.

During the meeting, officials noted that the speed at which online gambling technologies evolve further complicates regulatory oversight. New platforms, affiliate marketing tactics, social media promotions, and digital payment systems can enable illegal operators to circumvent detection, thereby exposing consumers—especially vulnerable individuals—to significant risks. As officials observed, illegal operators may not comply with national player-protection standards, anti-money laundering guidelines, technical integrity requirements, or advertising restrictions.

The participating authorities underscored that illegal online gambling does not merely undermine national regulations; it also has implications for public safety and consumer wellbeing. Without adequate supervision, players may face heightened risks of fraud, misuse of funds, irresponsible marketing practices, and lack of access to responsible gambling tools.

Increasing concerns about illicit advertising

One of the most pressing concerns highlighted by regulators involves the widespread circulation of unauthorised gambling advertising across social media channels, video-streaming platforms, and affiliate networks. These promotional tactics can be particularly difficult for national authorities to intercept, given that many digital environments operate across multiple countries simultaneously.

Officials noted that such advertising often reaches young people and vulnerable users, who may be less capable of distinguishing between regulated and unregulated services. This issue has drawn significant attention from child-protection advocates and consumer groups across Europe.

The authorities involved in the agreement stressed that coordinated action is essential. Working together allows regulators to share evidence, notify platform owners of illegal promotions more efficiently, and request the removal of content that breaches national restrictions. Through collaboration, they aim to reduce exposure to potentially harmful advertising and improve the digital environment for consumers.

Key elements of the new cooperation agreement

The agreement establishes three principal lines of action intended to improve the oversight and reduction of illegal online gambling across Europe.

Exchange of information and data on illegal operators

Participating authorities will share relevant information related to operators suspected of offering unlicensed services within their jurisdictions. This may include details about domain names, platform structures, payment channels, or marketing tactics used to circumvent national laws. Regulators believe that sharing this type of intelligence will improve the ability of each agency to act swiftly and effectively against potentially unlawful activity.

Coordinated complaints to social media and digital platforms

The agreement enables the authorities to coordinate their notifications to digital platforms, including social media companies, online marketplaces, and video-hosting sites. By submitting harmonised, evidence-based complaints, the regulators anticipate a stronger collective impact that may encourage platforms to respond more promptly to the presence of illegal gambling advertisements.

Platform operators often rely on user reports, automated detection systems, and voluntary compliance to monitor gambling-related content. The participating authorities aim to strengthen these systems by providing consistent, cross-border information that can help identify and remove illicit advertising more efficiently.

Sharing of best practices and knowledge

The participating regulators also plan to enhance cooperation in the areas of detection, investigation, and enforcement. By exchanging best practices, regulatory strategies, and analytical tools, the authorities aim to improve their technical capacity and harmonise certain aspects of their enforcement approaches. This may include sharing methodologies for identifying illegal operators, approaches to monitoring digital advertising, and techniques used in risk assessment.

The cooperation framework is not intended to override national legislation. Rather, it supports more efficient execution of existing regulatory systems by improving communication channels and facilitating collaborative responses to shared challenges.

Broader regulatory context in Europe

The timing of the agreement coincided with the 1st International Gaming Congress held in Madrid, where regulators, policymakers, academics, and industry representatives discussed the diverse regulatory landscape of the European gambling market. During this event, regulators from Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Spain outlined current challenges and explained the approaches each jurisdiction is taking to enhance consumer protection.

The congress highlighted how regulatory frameworks across Europe vary significantly, reflecting cultural differences, historical considerations, and legal traditions. While some countries operate open licensing systems, others impose more restricted models with strict advertising rules or limited numbers of authorised operators. Despite these variations, regulators acknowledged that illegal online gambling represents a shared challenge requiring coordinated responses.

The joint declaration arising from the regulator meeting aims to complement the dialogue initiated at the congress. It underscores a collective commitment to improving market integrity, reducing unlawful gambling activity, and supporting safer digital environments for consumers across Europe.

Recent initiatives in the sector

The broader European gambling sector has recently seen several initiatives related to consumer protection and responsible gambling.

Shortly before the regulators’ agreement, GambleAware, a charity engaged in harm-prevention strategies, publicly urged policymakers to introduce stricter regulations and mandatory health warnings on all gambling content. The organisation expressed concern about the visibility of gambling advertisements and their potential impact on vulnerable individuals.

Similarly, the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), which represents several licensed online gambling operators, welcomed the approval of a new European standard on markers of harm. This standard, approved by national standardisation bodies, is designed to support both regulators and operators in identifying early signs of risky gambling behaviour.

According to the organisations involved, the new standard aims to guide the development of systems that detect patterns such as rapid spending increases, repeated deposits, irregular play hours, and other potential indicators of harm. The framework is expected to be published in early 2026 and will be voluntary for regulators and operators. Industry stakeholders believe it may support a more consistent approach across jurisdictions and contribute to more effective harm-prevention measures.

Looking ahead: The potential impact of the cooperation agreement

The new cooperation framework among European gambling regulators may help address several longstanding challenges connected to illegal online gambling. By sharing data, coordinating communications to digital platforms, and exchanging best practices, regulators anticipate improvements in the accuracy and efficiency of enforcement actions. These efforts may also strengthen public confidence in national regulatory systems, which play a critical role in safeguarding consumers and upholding market integrity.

However, the practical impact of the agreement will depend on ongoing commitment and active participation from each authority, as well as on the cooperation of digital platforms that host advertising and content. Moreover, regulators may need to continuously update their strategies to keep pace with technological developments, emerging risks, and changing consumer behaviours.

The agreement represents a meaningful step toward addressing the complexities of cross-border illegal gambling. While it does not resolve all challenges, it provides a stronger, more coordinated foundation from which regulators can respond to unlawful activity and protect individuals who engage with online gambling services.

Conclusion

The coordinated framework established by European gambling regulators marks a significant advancement in the collective effort to address illegal online gambling. By improving the exchange of information, enhancing communication with digital platforms, and promoting shared enforcement strategies, the participating authorities are laying the groundwork for a more coherent and effective regulatory landscape. While each country retains its own legal and administrative structures, the agreement reflects a shared understanding that cross-border challenges require cross-border solutions.

As online gambling continues to evolve, regulators face growing pressure to protect consumers, support market integrity and ensure that digital environments remain safe and responsibly managed. This agreement does not eliminate the complexities associated with illegal online gambling, but it does create a more unified pathway for addressing them. Through sustained cooperation, ongoing technological adaptation and continued engagement with stakeholders, European regulators are better positioned to respond to unlawful activity and reinforce the standards expected within licensed markets.

Ultimately, the success of this initiative will rely on long-term collaboration, consistent implementation and proactive monitoring of emerging risks. Nevertheless, the steps taken represent a meaningful commitment to safeguarding consumers across Europe and strengthening the legal frameworks that underpin a fair, transparent and accountable gambling sector.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main purpose of the new cooperation agreement?
The agreement aims to strengthen cross-border enforcement against illegal online gambling and improve consumer protection by enabling regulators to share data and coordinate actions.

Why is illegal online gambling considered a major concern?
Illegal operators may bypass national regulations, which can expose consumers to financial risks, irresponsible marketing, and insufficient safeguards.

Which countries are part of this cooperation framework?
The agreement involves gambling authorities from Germany, Austria, France, Great Britain, Italy, Portugal and Spain.

How will regulators use shared information?
Shared data will help identify unlicensed operators, track advertising activity, and support coordinated enforcement measures across borders.

Does the agreement impose any new legal obligations on operators?
No, the agreement focuses on cooperation between regulators and does not create new legal requirements for operators.

Why is cooperation with social media platforms necessary?
Many illegal advertisements appear on digital platforms. Coordinated complaints may lead to faster removal of illicit content.

What role does technological innovation play in illegal gambling activity?
Advances in online platforms, payment solutions, and advertising tools can help illegal operators avoid detection and reach consumers more easily.

How does this initiative relate to responsible gambling measures?
Improving enforcement against unlicensed operators supports broader efforts to enhance player safety and ensure responsible gambling standards.

Is the agreement linked to the new European standard on markers of harm?
Although separate, both initiatives reflect broader efforts to improve consumer protection and risk detection within the gambling sector.

When will the cooperation framework take effect?
The agreement is intended to guide ongoing collaboration and is expected to influence enforcement practices immediately as regulators begin implementing shared processes.