Europe is the sixth largest continent on the planet, comprising of 47 different countries, including the islands. Gambling is one of the most successful businesses on this continent; no wonder it generates the highest revenue compared to other enterprises.
There are numerous internet and land-based casinos, and betting sites are providing players with the opportunity to enjoy different games and sports. Based in Brussels, the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) is the body in charge of creating a safe and reliable online environment for gamers and bettors.
All gaming and betting sites in Europe must be audited upon complying with the CEN Workshop Agreement regarding responsible gambling. This article covers everything there is to know about online gambling in Europe, including statistics, countries with regulated gaming, and top gambling countries.
Gambling Statistics
As aforementioned, online gambling is one of the biggest business ventures in Europe and the United Kingdom. It is estimated that the online gambling revenue will hit $81.71 billion by 2022. The popular forms of gambling include poker, casino games, lottery, sports betting, and bingo. Several factors have contributed to the successes of EU casinos for UK players like the availability of multiple payment options, increasing number of women gamblers, availability of smartphones and tablets, fast and stable internet connection, and more. The growth of the industry is evidenced in the latest statistics from EGBA. There were 12 million active members, 19 license holders from EU member states, 354 million paid from gambling and betting by 2017.
EU28 – Online Gambling Gross Win: The online gambling gross win is expected to increase from $19.6 billion in 2017 to $24.7 billion in 2020.
EU28 – Online Gambling as Share of Total Gambling Activity (%): The share of online gambling was 20.7% of the whole EU gambling market, where the land-based market scooped 79.3%.
EU28 – Most Popular Online Gambling Activities (%): Starts with sports betting (40.31%), casino (32.14%), poker (6.12%), bingo (4.59%), lottery (13.27% and other skill gaming (3.57%).
Countries with Regulated Gambling
There are more than 60 countries where online gambling and betting is regulated by reputable authorities. Players from these states can register and play real money casino games or bet on their favorite sports. Some of these countries with regulated gambling include:
- Australia
- Belgium
- Canada
- Malta
- Macau
- Gibraltar
- France
Top Gambling Countries
These are the top gambling countries in the world. Both online and land-based casinos within these territories offer fair games that are tested by third party testing agencies. They have laws that protect players from operators as well as the prevention of cybercrime.
United Kingdom
Gambling in the UK is controlled by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), which operates under the Gambling Act 2005. Currently, all casinos and bookmaker operators with UKGC licenses must register with GameStop before they can offer any services.
Ireland
The Irish have been gambling since many years ago. The most popular sport they bet on greyhound racing. All casinos and betting site operators must adhere to the Betting Act of 2015, which covers all forms of gambling.
Netherlands
Gambling in the Netherlands is licensed by the Dutch Gaming Authority. However, there is no legal framework regarding online gambling. This means that all forms of online gambling are illegal in the state.
Germany
The Gaming Act of Schleswig-Holstein used to issue licenses to private online casinos and sportsbooks operators before it acceded to the Interstate Treaty after the change of government. However, the Interstate Treaty does not offer licenses but bans any form of online casino gambling. But you can bet on different sports events.
Norway
There are many strict laws on gambling in Norway. The government allows only two betting sites: Norsk Riskoto for horse racing and Norsk Tipping to offer lotteries, sports betting, poker, scratchcard games, and keno.