Regulators call for stronger measures against illegal online gambling

Regulators of Austria, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Portugal and Spain issue joint institutional statement.

The fight against illegal online gambling is one of the paramount tasks facing regulated jurisdictions. Its borderless nature and the speed of technological innovation make it easier for illegal operators to evade regulatory oversight. This creates significant risks for consumer and public health protection, endanger public order and harms the activity of legitimate operators. In short, illegal online gambling undermines the entire regulatory framework designed to protect the public interest.

In this context, we express our common concern regarding the increasing proliferation of advertising targeting our jurisdictions by unauthorised operators, particularly through digital channels such as social media, video platforms, and affiliate networks. These activities not only violate our national laws but also expose citizens — including minors and vulnerable individuals — to significant risks associated with illegal gambling.

We wish to express our strong commitment to consumer protection, market integrity, and compliance with national and international regulations within the respective legal framework by:

• • sharing information on illegal operators among us
  • calling on digital platforms and social media networks to strengthen their control mechanisms to prevent the dissemination of advertising content from unauthorised operators
  • reaffirming our commitment to share knowledge and better practices in identifying, investigating, and sanctioning operators acting outside the law.

The Gambling Commission said that this statement marks a renewed and united commitment by our jurisdictions to strengthen the integrity of the regulated gambling sector and to protect citizens from the risks posed by illegal gambling activities.