European regulators unite in Madrid with three key measures against illegal online gambling
Regulators from Germany, Austria, France, Great Britain, Italy, Portugal, and Spain have agreed to a joint exchange of information to intensify the fight against illegal online gambling. This cooperation was formalised in Madrid at the beginning of November, aiming to strengthen user protection and the integrity of the regulated market.
A borderless digital environment puts users at risk
Firstly, the regulators warn that the transnational nature of the digital environment facilitates illegal operators evading regulatory controls. Additionally, the rapid technological evolution complicates supervision. This situation therefore increases risks for users and affects the integrity of the regulated sector, especially in online gambling.
Moreover, the proliferation of advertising by unauthorised operators on social media, video platforms, and affiliate networks is a concern. This advertising targets users across multiple jurisdictions without respecting national regulations. As a result, citizens, including minors and vulnerable groups, are exposed to significant risks, as stated by officials during the meeting at the General Directorate for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ) in Spain.
Three strategic lines to tackle illegal gambling
The signed agreement establishes three cooperation pillars to combat illicit gambling effectively:
- Continuous exchange of information among regulators about illegal operators.
- Joint requests to digital platforms and social media to strengthen their control mechanisms. This would prevent the spread of illegal advertising.
- Strengthening shared knowledge and best practices to identify, investigate, and sanction illegal activities.
Consequently, these actions will enable faster detection of illicit activities in the digital environment and coordinated responses across jurisdictions to effectively counter these cross-border practices.
Active participation in the International Gambling Congress
In fact, cooperation among European regulators was also a key topic at the First International Gambling Congress, organised by the DGOJ and held on 13 and 14 November. Representatives from Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Spain took part in the panel on “Challenges and perspectives of gambling regulation in Europe.”
The regulators outlined the regulatory strategies of their countries and the key challenges they face, especially in protecting players. They also highlighted the diversity of approaches across Europe and reaffirmed the need to align efforts against illegal online gambling.
Joint declaration: a firm commitment to integrity and protection
The signatories emphasised that this institutional declaration represents a decisive step to strengthen the integrity of the regulated sector. They stated that “the fight against illegal online gambling is one of the priority tasks faced by regulated jurisdictions.”
In this regard, they noted that the borderless nature and technological speed facilitate illegal operators in evading supervision. This generates significant risks for user protection and public health, as well as harming legitimate operators.
Demands on digital platforms and regulators’ commitment
Furthermore, regulators expressed concern about the proliferation of illegal advertising on digital channels such as social media, video platforms, and affiliate networks. Some practices violate national laws and expose the population, including minors and vulnerable groups, to serious risks.
Therefore, they committed to:
- Share information about illegal operators.
- Demand stricter mechanisms from digital platforms and social networks to control and prevent the spread of illegal advertising.
- Reaffirm their commitment to exchange knowledge to identify, investigate, and sanction those acting outside the law.
This declaration ultimately marks a renewed and united commitment among jurisdictions to protect citizens and defend the integrity of the regulated sector, according to the text signed in Madrid.
In order to take on illicit online gambling, which endangers not only the market but also the security and welfare of consumers across several nations, European collaboration in this area is becoming increasingly important. The plan calls for data exchange, accountability, and progress towards efficient and well-coordinated joint control throughout Europe.
This article was first published in Spanish on 25 November 2025.
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