EU Casinos

EU casinos are proving a smash hit right now. Not only do they offer fantastic games and bonuses, but they also provide a safe and secure gaming environment for players in and outside EU.

Author:
Brian Smithson

Verified

Last Update: 10 Dec 2024, 12:35

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Gambling is a popular pastime in Europe, and chances are that you’ve already tried your hand at a few EU casinos and betting sites. The EU regulation provides a lot of freedom to casino platforms, which they use to offer impeccable gaming services.

Whether you’re a slots fan, roulette savant, or a video poker pro, the best European online casinos have it all. If you’re looking for these casino sites, let our bees be your guides. Below, you’ll find top EU casino sites that do things a little bit better than the others. They either give more inviting casino offers or have better features and games.

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How Do We Review EU Online Casinos?

With so many sites calling themselves the best European casino sites, it's tough to call their bluff. That's why when we review real money casino sites, we go into the minute details to distinguish the good, the bad, and the ugly. Below, we've listed the top factors we consider when ranking the best online casinos in the European Union.

1

Licensing and Regulation

Licenses are crucial for online casinos in Euro countries. When playing real money games online, always go for a casino licensed by the MGA, UKGC, Curacao, or any other top regulatory bodies. The license badge should be displayed at the bottom of the casino page, and we make sure that the license number is legit.

2

Bonuses and Promotions

Nearly every online casino in Europe has a welcome bonus that usually pairs matched deposits with free spins. Further, deposit bonus offers and cashback promos are to be expected on a weekly basis. We read all the bonus terms and test bonuses to see whether they really do what they say.

3

Customer Support

Not even the best EU casino sites in the world are 100% perfect. There will always be some little thing bugging you, whether it is a piece of information not clearly displayed or withdrawal taking too long. That’s where customer support comes in handy. We test them for channels, responsiveness, and friendliness.

4

Payment Methods

When choosing European casinos online, we make sure they accept a variety of currencies. They should also accept trusted payment methods for deposits and withdrawals. UK players, for example, can use debit cards but not credit cards. Make sure to check what your Euro casino of choice accepts and whether the options are fully legitimate.

5

Game Variety

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We’re here for the games, right? Our recommended EU casinos must have the best casino games by leading providers. Further, the games need to cover all main categories like online slots, table, and live casino games and need to be discoverable via search and other filters. 

6

Mobile Compatibility

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Top-rated EU casinos will either have a dedicated mobile app you can install on your Android or iOS devices or have a mobile-optimised website. These allow a superb gambling experience on the go, and we test every facet of the mobile gaming experience.

Gambling Laws in Europe by Country

The majority of EU countries have legalised online gaming. It’s a win-win for everyone: they get a nice financial boost, Euro casinos get more players, while we get to play our favourite casino games and pick up illustrious casino bonuses.

The biggest governing body when it comes to online casino gambling in Europe is the Malta Gaming Authority. It’s not the only one, though. EU casinos are also licensed by a slew of other regulators like Curacao, allowing UK players (and others) to enjoy their favourite casino games in an entirely safe environment.

The laws governing online gambling differ depending on the country. Here’s a preview of how online gaming is regulated in some of Europe’s hottest markets.

CountryLaws
UKAll online gambling activities are regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, one of the strictest regulatory bodies for European online gaming. Likewise, UK players can enjoy the best non-UKGC casinos
SpainSpaniards can legally gamble and bet online. All casinos operating in the country need a license from the Spanish National Gaming Commission. Offshore sites offer services to Spanish players as well.
GermanyYou can play online casino games in Germany legally. Home to some of the biggest casino brands, Germany is a European gambling hotbed at the moment. New regulations coming next year will expand the ever-growing iGaming market in Germany.
MaltaThe MGA oversees all gambling activity online in Malta. Many EU online casino sites use the MGA license as proof of their legit offer.
IrelandCasino operators in Ireland can legally offer their services to UK players. Due to the exit of the UK from the European Union, Irish casinos must now obtain UKGC licenses.
FranceOnline casinos operating in France need a license from ARJEL to offer their services to French players. Different governing bodies regulate different areas of the sector.
ItalyAll online gambling activities in Italy are legal. Players can choose from a wide range of European casinos and gambling sites.

EU Casino Bonuses

One of the biggest advantages online casinos have over land-based venues is the bonuses, and European online casinos are no exception. In fact, given the market variety in the EU, you can expect a lot more competition with who will come up with the best bonus package and offer the most value to their players.

Whatever the bonus, you should check the terms and requirements before you claim it. The fine print will tell you not only the size of the bonus and/or free spins batch, but also the wagering requirements and other essential tidbits of information you need to know. Here are some of the most popular bonus promotions found in EU online casinos:

The welcome offer is the first deal you get when you join an online casino. Think of it as an introductory gift that will help you get started. Sometimes, it’s only a small boost on your deposit; other times, it’s a massive package. 

Deposit bonuses will cover a percentage of your deposit. Most often, that means doubling your deposit, but sometimes, the casinos may boost it by 200% or more. The wagering requirements are similar to the welcome package, around 35x.

Free spins are every slot fan’s dream. They come in all shapes and sizes and in batches. New online casinos in Europe will have bigger free spin offers in order to appeal to new players. Just because they’re called free doesn’t mean they don’t come with limitations. Free spins usually have a close expiry date, so you may need to spend them in 24 hours.

The majority of casinos in the EU have a VIP program aimed at regulars. The more you play, the easier it is to collect rewards. Apart from custom-tailored bonuses, you can also get your hands on exclusive deals that go beyond simple free spin offers. These might even come with personalised withdrawal limits and customer care service.

Cashback bonuses cover a portion of your losses and usually come with low to no wagering requirements, which makes them the closest bonus to real money. They usually cover 5%, 10%, or even 15% of your weekly losses.

Online Casino Licensing in Europe:

EU casinos need licenses in order to operate properly. While most countries issue their own licenses, the EU has online gambling guidelines that all should adhere to. There are several governing bodies that come from the European Union that provide licenses to international sites that are valid for other countries. The UK Gambling Commission is the top one, but since Brexit, it’s no longer relevant for all casinos.

On the other hand, the Malta Gaming Authority remains one of the top regulators for online gaming in Europe. Not counting the UKGC, it’s the most reputable license an operator can have. Another renowned online gambling license comes from Curacao. It is an international license valid for all who meet their strict criteria.

With that in mind, European licenses for real money gambling sites come in three different types:

  • Open Licensing: Grants licenses as long as the operator meets specific criteria. MGA and Curacao are open licenses, for instance.
  • Restricted Licensing: Many countries in Europe fall under this category. The number of licenses per market is limited, but the process allows the registration of gaming companies. These licenses are used in Greece, the Czech Republic, and Belgium, among others.
  • State-Run Monopoly: In some EU countries, you can only play casino games at government-owned entities. This is the case with Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland. The government itself grants a license to one operator that offers gambling services to the residents of that country.

Payment Methods for European Online Casino Players

Regulated as it is, most casinos accept a variety of payment methods that range from bank transfers to cryptocurrencies. You can freely open an account, make deposits, and withdraw winnings with zero hassle. Likewise, online casinos in Europe are most likely to accept EUR via the options listed below.

Visa/Mastercard

The premier credit/debit card duo is not just focused on Europe – they are accepted everywhere around the world. They are the most common payment method for online services and retailers, allowing people to buy nearly everything online with their bank accounts. Visa and Mastercard are the top payment methods in many European countries, not just for gambling but for everything else as well.

E-wallets

E-wallets are a new-age digital payment method featured on the majority of gaming sites. They offer a great alternative way to play popular online casino games and deposit with ease. Payment providers such as Skrill and Neteller feature instant deposits and withdrawals with quite low or no fees. Additionally, you don’t need to link them to your bank account, which is a big plus for many players.

Cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrencies are the new kid on the block in the online gambling industry. While they’re mostly outlawed in Euro countries, there are still a good number of casinos that accept them, mostly new casino sites. Just make sure that you’re using an online casino in countries that have legalised cryptos or have no clear laws on them.

The main reason why players prefer cryptocurrencies is the instant transfers. When we say instant, we mean it. They are faster than any other payment option, including e-wallets, all thanks to blockchain technology that, for all intents and purposes, might end up transforming the gambling industry.

FAQ

Is gambling online in Europe legal?

Yes, it is. There are many governing bodies in European online gambling, such as the MGA, that offer fully legal gambling. In general, casinos don't need more than one license to operate legally.

Can I win real money at EU casinos?

Absolutely. You can play games for real money or with a bonus and win real money in return. Of course, that depends on your skills and luck, so don't expect to win each round.

Can I play live dealer games at the best online casinos in Europe?

Sure, top EU online casinos have hundreds of live games in their roster.

Are EU casinos safe to play?

Top online casinos in the EU are some of the safest gaming platforms in the world, provided that they are licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB), or any other reputable regulatory body.

What are the best licenses in European casinos?

MGA, UKCG, and Curacao are the top three licenses used in EU online casinos.

Are EU online casinos fair?

Reputable casinos in Europe feature some of the fairest games in the online casino industry.

Can I claim European online casino bonuses?

Absolutely! There's nothing stopping you from claiming welcome, reload, cashback, or any other bonuses in European casinos.

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