How To Start Your Online Casino In Europe?

The European online casino market size reached USD 40.5 billion in 2024. Moving ahead, IMARC Group predicts the market to reach USD 73.1 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 6.6% during 2025-2033. Read here how you can open an online casino in Europe and be a part of this lucrative industry. 

Image launching your online casino, where thousands of players place bets daily, generating millions in revenue.

Europe’s thriving online casino is one such market, which offers massive potential, projected to hit US$58.06 bn by 2029.

With growing demand and evolving regulations, 2025 is the perfect year to launch your online casino in Europe.

Wait!

But success isn’t just about offering flashy games or launching a website, it’s about selecting the right jurisdiction, software, and casino games provider.

Yes, every step matters!

If you are a budding entrepreneur, this guide will walk you through how to build a profitable online casino business in Europe.

Let’s get the dice rolling!

Understanding the European iGaming Market Is a Must

Europe has been a hub for the iGaming industry, however, it is kinda difficult to determine how big 40+ countries’ markets are.

Albeit, some countries have been a ‘center of attraction’ such as the UK, Malta, Sweden, Germany, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands.

Each of these countries has something for passionate punters, from slot games to poker, roulette, and live dealer casino games.

To help you better understand, The ONLINE CASINO industry in Europe is segmented as follows:

• Casino
• Poker
• Bingo
• Lottery
• Fantasy sports
• Sports betting
  •      Basketball
  •      Football
  •      Rugby
  •      Cricket
  •      Hockey
  •      Others (Cycling, Baseball, etc.)

Further, the big players dominating the iGaming industry include:

• Bet365
• 888 Holdings
• William Hill
• LeoVegas
• Betfair
• PokerStars
• Betsson AB

YOU can be the next on the list…. 😉

To stay ahead of the curve, operators should know what online casino games are most played in Europe. And here is the list ….

Slots

Blackjack

Roulette

Poker

Baccarat

Live Dealer Games

Note To Remember 🔔 Operators must use Random Number Generators (RNGs) in online casino games to generate random outcomes to ensure fair play. What is RNG in iGaming?  In simple words, it’s an algorithm that ensures all the game’s outcomes are fair and unpredictable by generating random number sequences.

Must-Follow Considerations While Launching An Online Casino In Europe —

As you know, Europe is a big continent, sometimes considered to be “one state” in terms of economic growth from a global perspective.

However, the region is not governed by a single regulatory body, rather, different countries have separate regulations.

For example, some states support any license from EU member state, while others (self-governing) require compliance with their established jurisdiction.

Don’t worry!

We will give you an overview of the regulatory framework of some top iGaming industry regulators in European countries.

Let’s jump into the steps you need to follow to open an online casino business in EU.

Selecting The Right Legal Jurisdiction

Licensing bodies play a huge role in regulating European online casinos.

Don’t get amazed when we say there is no single regulator for iGaming in Europe. Let’s discuss the top licensing authorities dominating the iGaming industry.

• UK Gambling Commission
• Malta Gaming Authority
• Danish Gambling Authority
• Swedish Gambling Authority
• Gibraltar Regulatory Authority

Each of the aforementioned authorities ensures that the licensed operators adhere to fair gameplay, secure transactions, and data privacy regulations. They conduct regular audits to validate ongoing compliance.

Brainstorm 💡 Countries with Strict Restrictions Or Bans: Russia: iGaming is heavily restricted with only limited legal options Turkey: iGaming is mostly illegal

How to choose the best jurisdiction is the crucial question here. Let’s consider this and talk about these jurisdictions in detail below:

UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)

The UKGC regulates all forms of iGaming, including sportsbooks, online casinos, and lotteries. That’s why it is the most reputable regulator worldwide.

Key Features: 

• Follows anti-money laundering (AML) and responsible iGaming measures
• Required license holders to be based in the UK or EU/EEA.

License Requirements:

• • Businesses should be registered in the UK or the European Economic Area (EEA).
  • Proof of financial stability and secure gaming software

• Compliance with the Gambling Act 2005 and UK Advertising Codes 

Pros	Cons
Highly respected and recognised license	Strict regulations
Easy access to a large UK player base	High compliance cost

Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)

The jurisdiction that is known to offer a balance of strict compliance and business-friendly policies is the Malta Gaming Authority. This makes it a preferred choice for gaming operators.

Key Features: 

• Includes casino games, poker, sports betting, and lotteries
• Strong focus on responsible iGaming and AML practices
• Operators can serve international markets and also

License Requirements:

• Registered company in Malta
• Adhering to secure, fair, and responsible gaming practices
• Proof of financial stability

Pros	Cons
Lower taxes than the UK	Strict operational and financial audits
Internationally accepted

Danish Gambling Authority (DGA)

The iGaming market in Denmark is well-regulated and managed by DGA. The Danish Gambling Authority manages all forms of iGaming, ensuring strict compliance with Danish laws.

Key Features: 

• Covers online casino, poker, and sports betting
• Requires compliance with Danish data laws
• Major focus on responsible iGaming (RTP or return to player transparency)

License Requirements:

• Must have compliance with the Danish Gambling Act (2012)
• Anti-fraud and AML measures
• A local Danish representative for international operators
• Secure and audited RNG software

Pros	Cons
Transparent and fair regulations	High taxes
Highly reputed and trusted license in Scandinavia

Brainstorm 💡 What is the Scandinavian Market? A combined consumer market of Scandinavian countries including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

Swedish Gambling Authority

Sweden has been fully regulating its iGaming market since 2019, creating a strict and well-structured iGaming framework under the Swedish Gambling Authority.

Key Features: 

• • Covers online casinos, sports betting, and lotteries
  • Major focus on responsible gaming

• Operators must ensure Swedish-language support and local payment methods 

License Requirements:

• Business registered in EU/ EEA
• Proof of financial stability
• Strict advertising and responsible gaming measures

Pros	Cons
High credibility and access to a strong iGaming market	High licensing fees and strict regulations

Gibraltar Regulatory Authority (GRA)

A leading offshore jurisdiction, GRA is famous for its low tax rates and strict regulatory standards. Gibraltar Regulatory Authority issues licenses majorly to large-scale operators.

Key Features: 

• • Business-friendly regulations
  • Requires physical presence in Gibraltar for licensing

• Covers sports betting, online casinos, and gaming platforms 

License Requirements:

• Must have compliance with UK and EU anti-money laundering laws
• High financial requirements
• Businesses registered in Gibraltar

Pros	Cons
Low taxes	Only suitable for large operators due to high entity cost
Strong industry reputation

Select A Turnkey Or White Label Casino

While launching an online casino in Europe, operators often get confused between Turnkey and White Label casino software.

Both options offer quick and affordable ways to enter the iGaming market, but they cater to different business needs. Let’s understand below:-

Turnkey Casino Solution

Turnkey casino software is a ready-made and fully functional platform. However, operators must obtain a license. This option is ideal for those looking for long-term ownership and full customisation.

What do you get?

✔️ Ownership and branding

✔️ Revenue retention

✔️ Custom integrations

White Label Casino Solution

It is an end-to-end and ready-to-launch online casino platform. The provider handles payment processing, software, and maintenance.

The good part? Operators need to focus on branding and marketing only. Here’s what you can expect:-

✔️ Quick market entry

✔️ Revenue sharing model

✔️ Lower upfront costs

✔️ Managed compliance and security

Hence, based on your business requirements, you can pick the right solution to start an online casino in Europe.

Choose A Reliable Casino Software Provider

Once you’re done with choosing the right software option, it’s time to find a reliable and trustworthy software provider. The right provider ensures seamless operations, regulatory compliance, and an engaging gaming experience for players.

Here are the key features your online casino EU platform should have:

• User-friendly interface
• Mobile compatibility
• Secure payment gateways
• Casino game integrations
• Customer support system

Forget not, choosing the right platform ensures long-term success for your iGaming business.

Add Most Popular Casino Games

Casino games are the heart of players, and without them, players will not turn to your platform. It is the gaming content based on which players decide whether to stay on your platform or not.

The platform should have popular casino games including poker, blackjack, roulette, bingo, baccarat, and different types of slot games as well.

Further, having a live dealer casino with high video streaming will create an authentic gaming experience for players.

Integrate games from top casino game providers like Evolution, NetEnt, and Pragmatic Play to ensure fairness and high player engagement.

Implement Secure Payment Gateways

Needless to say, secure and responsible online casinos ensure safe & smooth transactions and players’ protection.

To ensure seamless deposit and withdrawal, operators must provide numerous payment methods like credit/ debit cards (Visa, MasterCard), e-wallets (PayPal, Neteller, Skrill),  and cryptocurrencies (BTC, ETH, USDT). Ensuring all transactions are encrypted is important.

Note to remember: Implementing a secure payment gateway is crucial for building player trust and retention.

Multiple payment methods will help you cater to a global audience and build trust among them.

Develop A Strong Marketing Strategy

Running an online casino without implementing an effective marketing strategy is like a Sisyphean task. A well-planned and executed marketing and player retention strategy is key to retaining and attracting players in a competitive online casino market.

Partner with iGaming affiliates to generate consistent traffic and increase conversions. Develop loyalty and retention programs to ensure long-term relationships with players. For instance, cashback, free spins, VIP rewards, personalised online casino bonuses, and promotions to keep players engaged.

Likewise, influencer partnerships can also help in driving additional traffic.

Scale And Optimise Business

Last but not least, Phew!!!

Your task doesn’t end with the opening of an online casino business in Europe. In fact, you have to continuously focus on improvement and expansion to scale your business and stay ahead of the competition.

How do you do that? Follow the points below 👇

• Keep your players engaged with regular updates on new games, features, and promotions.
• Expand your business by entering new European markets by obtaining an additional license and localising content.
• Enhance the player experience with improved customer support and personalised awards.

Always follow a data-driven approach for sustainable growth and long-term success.

Brainstorm 💡 What is a data-driven approach? A data-driven approach means making business decisions based on real-time data and player behavior. This involves: 👉 Tracking players’ activities 👉 Improving operations 👉 Optimise marketing campaigns

Bonus: Tips To Choose The Right Jurisdiction

Above we have already talked about different jurisdictions regulating the European iGaming industry in their specific regions. Which jurisdiction to go with is entirely your decision.

However, there are crucial points you must consider while choosing a jurisdiction:

• Choose the jurisdiction that allows access to the target market
• Ensure that the jurisdiction allows the game you want to provide
• Compare the cost of procuring and maintaining a license
• Check whether the selected payment methods are accepted or not

Game Over? Not Yet!

Starting an online casino in Europe is indeed a lucrative opportunity, but forget not, success not only depends upon the right strategy but also the steps we mentioned above 😉.

It has been clear that the European online casino market is massive and has room for significant growth.

If you don’t know, Europe has two of the world’s five largest online casino markets, which include the UK and Sweden.

Seems interesting, right?

If you’re patiently waiting to venture into this thriving market and want an end-to-end white label or Turnkey iGaming solution, PieGaming can be your best bet.

Request a demo today!

FAQs

• How much does it cost to open a casino in Europe?

  The cost to open an online casino business in the EU varies depending on factors like software, licensing, and marketing. Further, the license cost also varies depending on the jurisdiction for instance Malta, UK, Gibraltar.

• Which European countries offer online casino licenses?

  Various European countries offer casino licenses including Malta (MGA), Isle of Man, the United Kingdom, Gibraltar, and Alderney. These countries are known for their well-regulated and reputed licensing framework. Some other countries like Spain, Denmark, Germany, and Sweden also issue licenses but have strict regulations with higher taxation.

• Who regulates the online casino industry in Europe?

  Each European country has its own set of rules and regulations for running the iGaming industry.

• What are the licensing requirements for an online casino in Europe?

  The licensing requirements for online casino EU vary by jurisdiction which generally include a detailed business plan, secure gaming platform, proof of financial stability, etc. Additionally, responsible iGaming measures, data-protection policies, and anti-money laundering (AML) measures should be implemented by operators.

• What software do I need to run an online casino?

  Operators have two options available to choose from including Turnkey casino solution and white label casino software. Depending upon the requirements, operators can choose the best solution.