GGCS: Why European countries are so unequal
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8 Dec 2025 •
Reading time: 4 minutes This month marks the official publication of the very first version of the Global Gambling Control Scorecard (GGCS). Designed to compare the regulatory frameworks surrounding gambling in 34 European countries, this tool aims to prioritise the prevention of gambling-related harm.
Understanding the GGCS: a unique barometer
Launched after several months of rigorous analysis, the GGCS is based on more than forty indicators. These criteria are not limited to published laws, but also examine concrete measures to protect players: responsible gaming mechanisms, addiction treatment methods, operator transparency and, more broadly, the ability of states to manage the risks associated with gambling.
The launch of the GGCS comes at a time when online gambling is booming across Europe. Governments are struggling to keep pace with market developments, and disparities between national regulations are becoming increasingly pronounced. Some regulators complain of a lack of staff, outdated legislation, or measures that are easily circumvented. For example, in several countries, deposit limits and advertising restrictions are intended to limit risks, but their effectiveness remains debatable.
In this uncertain context, the GGCS appears to be a useful tool, not for punishing, but for enlightening — for pointing out what works and what needs to be improved.
A mixed picture of gambling in Europe
The GGCS reveals very different realities: some countries have very strict standards and robust player protection measures, while others remain poorly regulated, despite the rapid growth of online gambling. The tool highlights these differences, which are often invisible when relying solely on national laws.
This contrast raises a fundamental question: at a time when online platforms are accessible from one country to another, shouldn’t player safety be subject to a minimum European standard? The GGCS paves the way for this debate by providing a common language for comparing and highlighting best practices — or their shortcomings.
Several caveats are worth noting. First, the GGCS does not directly measure the impact of policies: it compares texts and mechanisms, but not (yet) concrete results such as addiction, debt and reports.
Second, the heterogeneity of European situations complicates comparisons. Countries vary greatly in terms of market size, gambling culture and density of supply. The same score can therefore have very different meanings depending on the national context.
Finally, as the authors themselves acknowledge, the GGCS is bound to evolve. New data, new indicators and, no doubt, a more robust version will one day perhaps provide reliable comparative ‘rankings’.
What can the GGCS offer?
For policymakers, the GGCS serves as a comparative scorecard: it identifies a country’s shortcomings relative to its neighbours, enabling it to adapt its legislation and harmonise standards. It acts as a mirror: high performers can serve as models, while lower performers can be encouraged to review their frameworks, based on concrete indicators.
For players and associations, the GGCS offers transparency. It objectively highlights the quality of the protections in place. This can increase pressure for greater accountability, particularly in countries where the legal offering is unclear or poorly regulated.
Although the initial publication of the GGCS does not yet provide a definitive ranking, its existence provides a useful framework for assessing the quality of national regulation. For a country such as Belgium, which is facing strong growth in online gambling and challenges in terms of control, this tool could become a valuable benchmark. The authorities could use it to compare their policies with those of ‘model’ neighbours and adapt their measures accordingly.
For their part, prevention associations and stakeholders in the sector could benefit from greater visibility on the consistency of European policies, which would help to advocate for more protective, or even harmonised, rules at EU level.
The release of the first version of the GGCS is an important milestone in the history of gambling regulation in Europe. More than just a ranking, it is a mirror — an objective assessment tool that highlights the diversity (and sometimes fragility) of national frameworks. While its concrete impact will depend on the follow-up given, this initiative paves the way for greater transparency, better comparison, and potentially harmonisation of gambling policies in favour of player protection.