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A New European Alliance Targets the Underground Online Gambling Market
Illegal online gambling will have fewer places to hide. In a decisive move, several of Europe’s leading regulatory bodies have agreed to work hand in hand to confront unlicensed operators exploiting the digital landscape. With online gambling evolving faster than ever, regulators are now stepping up with a united strategy designed to protect players and strengthen market integrity across the continent.
Europe’s Regulators Forge a Joint Strategy
Authorities from Germany, Austria, France, Great Britain, Italy, Portugal and Spain have stated a shared commitment to tackle illegal online gambling. The agreement was confirmed on 12 November during a meeting hosted by Spain’s Directorate General for Gambling Regulation (DGOJ).
Officials highlighted the core challenge: technology evolves quickly, and illegal operators are even faster to exploit it. The borderless nature of online gambling allows unlicensed platforms to slip between jurisdictions, leaving consumers exposed to unfair practices and unsafe environments. By joining forces, regulators aim to close these gaps and ensure more consistent oversight.
Targeting Unlicensed Advertising and Digital Loopholes
One of the biggest concerns is the steady rise of unauthorised gambling promotions across social networks, video-sharing platforms and affiliate channels. These ads often bypass national rules and are worryingly easy for minors and other vulnerable groups to come across.
The new cooperation agreement sets out three primary actions:
* Exchanging data on illegal operators to support faster intervention
* Coordinating requests to online platforms to restrict illicit advertising
* Sharing expertise to improve detection, enforcement, and investigative methods
Together, these measures are designed to cut off illegal operators at the source - visibility.
Industry Challenges Highlighted in Madrid
The announcement aligned with discussions at the 1st International Gaming Congress in Madrid, where representatives from Italy, Germany, the UK and Spain explored the contrasting regulatory philosophies across Europe. Despite differing national systems, the regulators agreed on one thing: protecting consumers must remain the industry’s central priority.
Building Toward Safer Gambling
This collaborative effort comes at a time of heightened focus on gambling harm. GambleAware recently renewed its call for tougher safeguards, including mandatory health warnings on all gambling-related content. Meanwhile, the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) welcomed the approval of a new European standard designed to detect markers of harm. Due for publication in early 2026, the framework will be optional but is expected to have a big impact on regulators and operators alike.
Strength Through Unity
Europe’s regulators have made their stance unmistakable: illegal online gambling will no longer be allowed to operate in the shadows. By sharing intelligence, coordinating enforcement and strengthening player protections, these authorities are laying the groundwork for a safer, more transparent gambling ecosystem. The message to unlicensed operators is firm - Europe is watching, and the net is tightening.
