Europe’s gambling sector: regulators forge an alliance as the EU stays on the sidelines
Gambling in Europe is entering a crucial phase. In recent months, pressure for coordinated action has intensified, driven by the need to combat illegal offerings and strengthen consumer protection, particularly for the most vulnerable. Despite its economic and social weight, the sector remains fragmented, with rules differing from one country to another. This patchwork of legislation risks undermining the effectiveness of protective measures in a global market now dominated by digital platforms.
The Hague, a turning point
The Player Protection Conference 2025, hosted in The Hague, marked a significant milestone. Organised by the Dutch regulator Kansspelautoriteit, the event brought together representatives from 16 European countries with a clear objective: to devise joint strategies to safeguard players. The decision not to invite industry representatives was deliberate. Regulators sought to guarantee an independent debate, free from external pressures, and to focus exclusively on protection. It was a choice that underlined a growing determination to rethink governance models and put the player-citizen firmly at the centre.
Regulators’ network gains strength
This new dynamic is rooted in a process that has been taking shape in recent years. The Gambling Regulators European Forum (GREF) has become a central platform, enabling national authorities to exchange best practices and coordinate initiatives. Italy’s decision to rejoin after a period of disengagement is a clear sign that more countries now recognise the need for a unified approach. Added to this are the bilateral memoranda of understanding signed between different authorities, concrete tools that reveal a willingness to move beyond national borders in order to tackle shared challenges.
Brussels’ misstep and its aftermath
The current push towards greater integration is also a reaction to a controversial decision taken in 2017, when the European Commission chose to disband its expert group on gambling, declaring the matter to be solely the responsibility of Member States. With hindsight, that move looks short-sighted. The expansion of digital markets and the cross-border nature of gambling offerings have demonstrated how inadequate isolated approaches are. Unsurprisingly, the European Court of Justice has been repeatedly called upon to rule on gambling-related cases, effectively bringing the subject back onto the EU agenda.
National autonomy or harmonisation?
The Hague conference is therefore part of a wider redefinition of Europe’s role in gambling governance. Brussels may still be sitting on the sidelines, but it can no longer ignore the scale of the issue. The balance to be struck is delicate: respecting national sovereignty while at the same time ensuring common rules to combat illegal operators and guarantee a minimum level of consumer protection across Europe. At stake is not only individual safeguarding, but also the credibility of institutions in addressing global challenges with effective tools.
Industry left out of the debate
While the aim of the conference was to preserve the independence of decision-making, the exclusion of industry nevertheless raises questions. Over the years, many operators have invested in self-regulation, developed innovative technological tools for player protection, and funded research to improve safeguarding measures. Dismissing these contributions risks depriving the debate of valuable expertise. In such a complex environment, building long-lasting solutions could benefit from a more inclusive dialogue that also takes into account the experience of the private sector.
An inevitable direction
Despite political hesitation, the direction of travel now seems inevitable. European harmonisation on gambling is no longer an optional choice but a necessity dictated by market realities. Digital platforms and cross-border offerings do not recognise national frontiers, and tackling them with isolated policies only produces inefficiency and vulnerability. Player protection, now firmly at the top of regulators’ agenda, demands common rules, shared tools, and, above all, an open dialogue between institutions, experts, and operators.
The future of Europe’s gambling landscape
The message from The Hague is unmistakable: regulators no longer intend to wait for Brussels. The construction of a European gambling framework is emerging from the bottom up, driven by direct cooperation between states, with the goal of creating a more cohesive and effective system. The question that remains is whether, and when, the European Union will decide to step out of its marginal role and embrace a harmonisation project. The challenge is delicate but inevitable: protecting players means shaping a future where rules, innovation, and responsibility can coexist.
This article was first published in Italian on 22 September 2025.
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