New Gambling Regulations in Europe in 2026 and What Has Changed Across Different Countries
European countries implement strict gambling regulations in 2026 including higher taxes, credit bans, and player tracking systems.Summary
In 2026, European online gambling undergoes a major regulatory overhaul with governments imposing strict rules, higher taxes, and enhanced player protection measures. Finland ends the Veikkaus monopoly by opening license applications for a competitive market with a 22% tax. Italy raises license fees to millions of euros to eliminate small operators. Sweden bans credit cards for betting and requires connection to the Spelpaus self-exclusion system. The UK caps online slot bets, raises the remote gaming duty to 40%, and implements mandatory player tracking. Germany reviews its 2021 treaty with a €1 per spin cap and €1,000 monthly deposit limit. Additionally, EU anti-money laundering laws require platforms to rebuild payment software for real-time monitoring. Regulators face the challenge of balancing safety with preventing players from turning to illegal offshore sites.
(Source：The Portugal News)