UK-EU regulators agree to curb rise in illegal gambling
Seven of Europe’s major gambling regulators have agreed to strengthen joint efforts against illegal online gambling, warning that fast-growing digital networks are helping unlicenced operators evade national controls. Authorities from Germany, Austria, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Portugal, and Spain formalised the cooperation during a meeting at Spain’s Directorate General for Gambling Regulation (DGOJ) in Madrid on 12 November 2025.
Officials said the move reflects an urgent need to address the rapid expansion of unregulated gambling platforms, many of which exploit new technologies and loopholes in national laws. Regulators noted that online gambling is now “borderless”, allowing illegal operators to shift operations between jurisdictions and avoid oversight, leaving consumers exposed to unsafe products and unfair practices.
A key concern raised during the discussions was the surge in unauthorised advertising across social media, video-sharing platforms, and affiliate websites. Several authorities warned that minors and vulnerable individuals are increasingly being exposed to such content, as digital platforms struggle to monitor high volumes of promotional material in real time.
Three co-operation pillars outlined
Regulators concluded that tackling these challenges requires deeper cross-border coordination rather than isolated national actions. And so, as a part of the agreement, three major pillars of cooperation were outlined. The first involves enhanced information-sharing, enabling regulators to exchange data on unlicenced operators, identify cross-border networks, and detect emerging trends.
The second focuses on coordinated complaints to major online platforms, urging them to remove illegal gambling adverts more swiftly and consistently. The third pillar centres on sharing best practices across Europe, including new methods for detection, investigation, and enforcement. Authorities believe that aligning national strategies will help strengthen enforcement across the continent. They argue that a more unified response will improve the ability to disrupt illegal operators, limit financial crime risks, and enhance protection for players.
The announcement coincided with the 1st International Gaming Congress, also held in Madrid, where officials from the UK, Italy, Germany, and Spain discussed differing regulatory models. Despite national variations, consumer protection dominated the agenda. Speakers emphasised that safeguarding players remains Europe’s most pressing challenge, especially as technology continues to evolve.
Cross-border risks in question
Industry groups and charities have also stepped up calls for tighter controls. GambleAware recently urged regulators to introduce mandatory health warnings and stricter restrictions on gambling-related content, particularly online. Meanwhile, the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) welcomed the introduction of a new EU-level standard designed to help operators identify early signs of risky gambling behaviour. The voluntary framework, expected to be rolled out in early 2026, aims to strengthen harm-prevention measures by guiding companies on how to detect problematic patterns before they escalate.
The latest regulatory cooperation also ties into the European Union’s broader ProtectEU strategy, launched in 2025 to address cross-border risks. Illegal gambling has been included within this agenda, alongside proposals to expand Europol’s role, apply the Digital Services Act to online gambling content, and establish a new Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) to monitor financial flows.
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