Europe strengthens cooperation to combat illegal online gambling
Gaming regulators from Germany, Austria, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Portugal, and Spain agreed in Madrid on a common information exchange system to curb the advance of illegal online gambling. The pact aims to coordinate actions, pressure digital platforms, and strengthen consumer protection across Europe.
European regulators will exchange information against illegal gambling
The gaming regulatory bodies of Germany, Austria, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Portugal, and Spain agreed in Madrid to launch a permanent information exchange mechanism with the goal of intensifying the fight against illegal online gambling, one of the most pressing challenges in Europe.
The decision was formalized during the meeting held on November 12 at the headquarters of the General Directorate for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ), under the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs, and the 2030 Agenda.
A problem that crosses borders
The regulators agreed that the global nature of the Internet and rapid technological advances make it easier for unauthorized operators to evade national supervision, generating:
- risks for consumers,
- exposure of minors and vulnerable groups,
- and direct harm to regulated operators.
A key concern is the advertising of illegal platforms on social networks, video platforms, and affiliate networks, which allows reaching users in multiple countries without respecting their local regulations.
Three pillars for stronger cooperation
The agreement establishes a joint strategy focused on three pillars:
- Direct information exchange between regulators about illegal operators and suspicious activities.
- Coordinated action towards digital platforms and social networks, requesting stricter mechanisms to prevent advertising by unauthorized operators.
- Sharing methodologies and best practices to detect, investigate, and sanction illicit activities.
The objective is to accelerate the response of each jurisdiction and strengthen the protection of the regulated market against practices that can no longer be addressed solely within national frameworks.
A commitment also reflected in the International Gambling Congress
The cooperation was also reflected in the 1st International Gambling Congress, held on November 13 and 14 in Madrid. In the panel “Challenges and perspectives of gambling regulation in Europe,” regulators from Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Spain analyzed:
- the state of their markets,
- regulatory developments,
- and player protection strategies.
The interventions confirmed both the regulatory diversity of the continent and the need to align efforts against illegal online gambling.
An unprecedented joint declaration
The signing regulators emphasized that this institutional declaration represents a decisive step to protect the integrity of the regulated market and defend citizens against the risks of illegal gambling.
Tags: Spain, Europe, DGOJ, International Gaming Congress, illegal betting game control