6 December 2025
Spain is leading Europe’s illegal gambling crackdown, blocking operators, issuing multimillion-euro fines and coordinating cross-border action with regulators.
Visa, Mastercard, and leading PSPs are quietly tightening their stance on gambling, driven by higher risk scores, tougher AML expectations, and shrinking tolerance from correspondent banks. While cards retreat, digital wallets are expanding rapidly. This piece explores the underlying factors shaping the shift and what operators should do to stay ahead.
Germany is accelerating changes to its Interstate Treaty on Gambling, citing weak enforcement, stalled licensing and rapid offshore growth. State officials want earlier reform to address consumer risks and market imbalance, signaling a rare political consensus that the current framework no longer reflects how players gamble or how operators compete.
Estonia is emerging as one of Europe’s most attractive online gambling licences as operators seek stability in a tightening regulatory climate. With low volatility, digital-first oversight and strong EU alignment, the market is drawing growing interest, even as high capital requirements and strict compliance standards keep it a selective, reputation-driven option.
A wave of lawsuits is challenging sportsbook VIP programs and “risk-free” promotions, accusing operators of using personalized incentives that encourage continued betting even when players show signs of harm. The cases raise fundamental questions about how modern sportsbooks retain customers, and whether their most profitable systems cross legal and ethical lines.
The Netherlands triggered one of Europe’s toughest gambling visibility crackdowns, banning sponsorships and most untargeted advertising. The shift has become a blueprint for neighboring regulators who view the Dutch model as a test of how far visibility rules can go. Now the central question is whether other major markets will follow.
Ireland is preparing to launch its first dedicated gambling regulator, introducing strict licensing, advertising rules and new safeguards under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. As the system takes shape, offshore casino operators are expanding activity in the regulatory gap, setting up a pivotal transition year as Ireland shifts toward modern oversight.
A confidential dossier accusing Evolution of operating in unregulated markets has sparked one of the most contentious feuds in gambling tech. The allegations, which Playtech denies any link to, have raised questions about reputation, regulatory trust and market influence as two of the industry’s biggest suppliers navigate mounting scrutiny.
Estonia is emerging as one of Europe’s most attractive online gambling licences as operators seek stability in a tightening regulatory climate. With low volatility, digital-first oversight and strong EU alignment, the market is drawing growing interest, even as high capital requirements and strict compliance standards keep it a selective, reputation-driven option.
Sweden is testing a question that could reshape gambling regulation across Europe as streamer Christofer “Chrippa” Lundström faces criminal charges linked to unlicensed casino content. Prosecutors say his streams promoted illegal operators, while his defense argues they were entertainment. The outcome may redefine how influencer-driven gambling content is treated under European law.
