A new analysis by the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) shows that 27 out of 31 European countries employ some form of multi-licensing for online gambling, with an overwhelming majority implementing a full multi-licensing approach.
In recent years, Europe has experienced a remarkable transformation in online gambling regulation. Just fifteen years ago, most European countries lacked dedicated regulations for online gambling or operated under exclusive rights models where only state-owned entities had a monopoly to offer online gambling services. Only seven countries (Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Italy, Latvia, Malta, UK) had a multi-licensing model for online gambling in 2009.
Today the situation has evolved significantly. An EGBA analysis concludes that the multi-licensing model has become the predominant regulatory approach in Europe. Under this model, multiple companies are permitted to offer online gambling services within a country, provided they comply with strict regulatory obligations.
“The momentum towards full multi-licensing for online gambling in Europe is undeniable," says EGBA's report. "While a few exceptions still exist, governments are concluding that public policy objectives, particularly related to consumer protection and tax generation, are more effectively met through well-regulated online competition. Finland’s current transition towards multi-licensing signals the impending end of the last online gambling monopoly in the EU, marking a significant regulatory milestone.”
“Similar deliberations regarding the future of the online monopoly are inevitable in Norway and Iceland. Furthermore, the handful of countries with either partial monopolies or product prohibitions should strive for greater consistency and effectiveness in their policies by phasing these out,” commented Maarten Haijer, Secretary General, EGBA.
"With over 15 years of regulatory experience in Europe, it’s clear that full multi-licensing offers the best pathway to enhance consumer protection, increase tax revenues, and ensure stronger regulatory control. The time has come for the last remaining European countries to embrace this optimal form of online regulation."