Gambling regulators from Germany, Austria, France, Great Britain, Italy, Portugal, and Spain have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the fight against illegal online gambling. They confirmed the joint initiative during a meeting at Spain’s Directorate General for Gambling Regulation (DGOJ) on 12 November.
Growing Cross-Border Risks Drive Collaboration
Authorities acknowledged that rapid technological innovation and the global nature of online gambling increasingly expose players to unlicensed operators. Because these websites often avoid national oversight, they can operate across borders without meeting compliance standards or consumer protection rules.
In addition, regulators raised concerns over the proliferation of unauthorised advertising on social media, influencers’ channels, and affiliate platforms. They argued that minors and other vulnerable groups face higher exposure to these risks, strengthening the case for coordinated European action.
Three Pillars of the Agreement
The agreement outlines three core areas of collaboration:
- Data sharing: Regulators will exchange intelligence on illegal operators to support faster enforcement.
- Unified complaints: They will coordinate requests to major tech and social platforms to restrict illicit gambling promotions.
- Best-practice exchange: Authorities will share investigative and regulatory approaches to improve detection and intervention.
This collective strategy aims to close enforcement gaps that illegal operators frequently exploit.
Context from the Madrid Congress
The announcement aligned with the 1st International Gaming Congress held in Madrid, where representatives from Italy, Germany, the UK, and Spain discussed sector challenges. Although regulatory models differ across Europe, speakers emphasized that consumer protection remains a common priority.
Momentum Builds for Safer Gambling Standards
The initiative also aligns with broader calls for stronger player safeguards. Recently, GambleAware urged stricter rules and mandatory health warnings across all gambling content.
Meanwhile, the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) celebrated the approval of a new Europe-wide standard on “markers of harm.” The framework—expected to be published in early 2026—will help detect risky gambling behaviors and support early-stage intervention. However, adoption will remain voluntary for both regulators and operators.
Toward a More United Enforcement Effort
Ultimately, European regulators aim to enhance market fairness, protect consumers, and disrupt the business models of illegal gambling operators. By working together more closely, they hope to deliver faster action and greater consistency in tackling unlicensed online gambling across the continent.
