Gambling Legislation in Europe: How Does it Work?

In this article, we will delve deeper into European legislation and regulations surrounding gambling advertising. Although gambling is legal in many European countries, there are strict rules. The gambling industry is particularly heavily regulated in the area of advertising.

What are the rules in each country?

To provide a clear overview, Gambling Club has investigated the rules and laws of how the rules look and are applied in which country. Click on the regions to go directly to the regulations or read more.

Table of contents:

1. Benelux
2. Ireland
3. United Kingdom
4. Baltic states
5. Eastern Europe
6. Scandinavia
7. South Europe
8. Western Europe
9. Asia
10. Russia and Ukraine

Advertising ban

There are serious challenges for the gambling industry to continue to attract new players. The limitations force operators to find creative solutions to achieve them.

In addition, various studies have shown that in countries where restrictions are imposed, players often switch to illegal gambling providers who advertise without restrictions on the internet and social platforms.

Benelux

• Belgium: Partial ban, no online gambling advertisements for certain licenses and no promises of payments in case of winning. New legislation for further restrictions is under consideration.
• Netherlands: Partial ban, advertisements on TV limited from 6 AM to 7 PM.

Ireland

• Partial ban, lottery advertisements are limited. No specialized legislation, regulated by general consumer protection and advertising standards.

United Kingdom

• Partial ban, advertisements must not be targeted at minors.

Baltic States

• Latvia: General ban outside gambling establishments and on the internet.
• Estonia: Partial ban, advertisements allowed in specific locations such as hotels, cruise ships, international airports, and ports. No invitations to participate in gambling or promises of social improvement.
• Lithuania: General ban except for the company name, trademark, and legal form. No additional information allowed, with an exception for lotteries.

Eastern Europe

• Belarus: Partial ban, no advertisements on TV and radio from 7 AM to 10 PM and in certain institutions.
• Moldova: Ban on advertisements for casinos, gambling machines, and profits.
• Poland: Partial ban on advertisements for betting, casinos, and gambling machines.
• Czech Republic: Partial ban, no advertisements inside gambling establishments.
• Slovakia: Partial ban, advertisements allowed within a 200-meter radius of the establishment.

Scandinavia

• Norway: Allowed with restrictions, such as no advertisements targeted at minors.
• Sweden: Allowed with a ban on advertisements targeted at minors.
• Iceland: Partial ban, advertisements must be in Icelandic and clearly indicate commercial interest.
• Finland: Partial ban, prohibited during radio broadcasts, on TV, and in cinemas, and targeted at minors.
• Denmark: Allowed, but without invitations to participate in gambling or promises of improving social status.

Southern Europe

• Cyprus: Partial ban, no advertisements for casinos on radio and TV from 6 AM to 11 PM and during children’s programs. No advertisements aimed at social improvement through gambling.
• Greece, Macedonia, Serbia, Hungary, Slovenia, Montenegro: Advertisements allowed with general restrictions for minors.
• Kosovo: Prohibited, all forms of gambling are generally banned.
• Albania: Prohibited, gambling advertisements in print, electronic, or audiovisual media are not allowed. Newsletters are allowed.

Western Europe

• Germany: Partial ban, but permits possible for lotteries, sports, and horse betting on TV and the internet.
• Switzerland and France: Allowed with restrictions for minors.
• Austria: Allowed with a “responsible approach” to advertisements.
• Spain: Allowed with measures for consumer protection and responsible gambling practices.
• Portugal: Partial ban, advertisements must contain warning messages and not target minors.
• Italy: Partial ban, prohibited on TV, internet, and radio except for national lotteries.

Asia

• Georgia: Allowed with general restrictions for minors.
• Azerbaijan: Prohibited, including unregistered lotteries.
• Turkey: Partial ban, no stimulation of gambling advertisements and no fixed odds or joint bets.
• Armenia: Partial ban, only allowed at specific times and places.

Russia and Ukraine

• Russia: Partial ban. Advertisements only allowed on TV and radio from 10 PM to 7 AM and in locations where gambling takes place.
• Ukraine: Partial ban, advertisements only allowed within the legally defined framework.