All over the world, the rules guiding online casino gaming are different. Some countries allow all kinds of online gambling, including bingo, lotteries, card games, and slots. Some allow it but regulate the gaming industry for the government to pocket all the gains. While some are totally against it and do not approve. When it comes to online gambling, European countries generally have laws that are liberal concerning it.
Most online casinos accept credit cards as payment methods for both withdrawals and deposits, and Europe is one of the major gaming markets for credit cards. Therefore, finding online casinos that allow credit card payments should not be a problem.
Casino players online have different experiences based on the part of Europe in which they live. To save you from defaulting local rules, I have collated information on some European countries that have liberal online casino gaming laws and allow it. You could be on vacation in any listed European country and still gamble online. How cool is that? Below are the 9 countries;
1. The United Kingdom
In Europe, the United Kingdom remains the biggest gambling market for online, despite severing political bonds with the European Union. Online gambling was legalised here in 2005, though it has a lengthy history with the legalisation of gambling. The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is among the most esteemed gambling regulators worldwide. From the estimates of 2018, the online casino gaming revenue was about 5.6 billion, and a total of 14.5 billion was splurged on the whole casino industry. Online casinos are obviously flourishing.
Most licensed casinos in the UK are safe and can be trusted. The good news is that players are not charged on their winnings; this means that you don’t need to pay tax in any British casino, no matter the amount you win. If you are a gamer in the UK, there are several platforms you can try out. You can also play with casinos not within the country if you do not find a local one that interests you.
2. Malta
If you’ve ever heard of the “Online gaming paradise,” you should know Malta is the one being referred to. Malta is known to have flexible rules concerning online casinos. To Run a casino in this country, you must first secure a licence from the Malta government. The Gaming Authority of Malta ensures that background checks are done on the senior members of the casino staff. The background checks are done to certify they are professional while ensuring some steps are put in place to protect players. Online gaming has significantly helped the country’s economy, making up 12% of the Maltese Gross Domestic Product. Shout-out to players in Malta; you all are doing great!
3. Belgium
Belgium is quite libertarian about online casino gaming, though the authorities closely monitor the industry. Online gambling was legalised here in 2011. Being the headquarter of the European Union, the country has to meet certain expectations like observing the rules of Competitive Market and Free Trade, hence, their liberalism towards the gambling industry. Despite their liberalism, the government still regulates the activities of casinos both online and offline to shield some players from getting addicted. There are many good sites for online casino games; you should check them out.
4. France
Not all forms of gambling are lawful and regulated by the government. The main gambling activities in the country are restricted to offline sports betting, slots, table games and card games. These activities are controlled by the government. The French online casino gaming industry recently bounced back and improved tremendously from the havoc caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. With the recent happenings, it is safe to conclude that the online casino business in France is going nowhere anytime soon. It has stood the tests of time; even the pandemic had nothing on. In France, you can always enjoy online casino games. However, many people might not be so financially buoyant at the moment. French players can also play on foreign sites.
5. Spain
With respect to online gambling, Spain stands out amongst its neighbouring countries. There are no limitations on online casinos, unlike some of its neighbours. Once upon a time, Spain had strict laws concerning online casinos, but that changed in the late 70s when the country was experiencing an economic decline. In their hardship, casino gaming was the knight in shining armour that saved the country. Thanks to that change, you are now allowed to play as many games as much as your resources would let you.
6. Switzerland
In the years before 2019, online gaming was unauthorised in Switzerland. From being a place where online gaming was an abomination, the country has become a resident of several online casinos. Though there are some restrictions with the licensing, citizens are provided with several options to choose from, such as blackjack, slots, and other top games. Online gaming sites such as Casino 777, Jackpots.ch and 7 Melons, amongst others, have fun games, attractive bonuses, and good rates.
7. Portugal
The gambling market in Portugal has great potential. Laws making the acquisition of a licence to operate and run an online casino were implemented by the Portuguese government in 2015. Regardless of that, casino gaming online is completely legal. Different kinds of gambling activities, including lottery and casinos, are legal in the country, but there might be just one problem with online gambling in this country; the local websites are exclusive to only players based in the country. Sad, isn’t it? I guess they are just more concerned about their citizens and are watching out for them. You might as well enjoy this restricted privilege if you are based there.
8. Italy
Regarding online casino gaming, the Italian government has strict rules guiding it. Though gambling is legal in the country, only licensed ones can run online casinos. If online casino games were a European tournament, Italy would win a silver medal as it has the second-largest gaming market in the whole of Europe. Playing casino games online as a citizen would definitely boost the economy. So, if you are an online gamer in Italy, you are doing a great job!
9. The Republic of Ireland
The Republic of Ireland just recently legalised 18 as the official consent age for gambling. This country shares some similar values with the UK as they are adjacent. So it’s easy to guess right that online gambling is legal. It was legalised officially in 2015. Therefore, players can participate and find pleasure in all kinds of online gambling, including daily fantasy, sports betting, bingo, online poker, and casinos. Now, all local and foreign operators can offer services here. All these operators have to do is submit to the Irish taxation and licensing laws.
Conclusion
Now that you know the European countries that allow online casino games, which one would you rather go to, is the UK or Ireland? Whichever choice you make, I’m certain it would be a good one. Have fun gambling, may the odds favour you.
