Offline & Online Betting

• AMLD framework (AMLD4/5 and new AML Regulation) – The EU Anti-Money Laundering framework imposes strict compliance obligations on gambling and online betting operators, recognising the sector’s heightened exposure to financial crime and illicit transactions. Under AMLD4 and AMLD5, betting platforms are classified as obliged entities, required to conduct customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, and risk-based controls, including enhanced checks for high-risk players and payment methods.

The new AML Regulation strengthens these obligations by introducing uniform EU-wide rules, tighter oversight, and expanded reporting requirements, including for online betting, remote gambling, and crypto-based payments. Together, these rules ensure transparency of player identities, traceability of funds, and effective cooperation with supervisory authorities—making AML compliance a core operational and licensing requirement for gambling businesses across the European Union.

• E-Privacy Rules (Electronic Communications & Online Tracking) – The EU e-Privacy rules govern the confidentiality of electronic communications and the use of tracking technologies, such as cookies and similar identifiers—an area of particular importance for online gambling and betting platforms. These rules regulate how operators collect and use data related to player behaviour, session tracking, targeted advertising, and in-platform communications.

For gambling businesses, compliance with e-Privacy requirements is essential when implementing player analytics, personalised offers, marketing communications, and responsible-gaming tools. Consent mechanisms for cookies, limits on unsolicited communications, and the protection of communication data are all mandatory elements. Together with the GDPR, the e-Privacy framework ensures that player engagement and marketing strategies are conducted lawfully, transparently, and with respect for user privacy, reducing regulatory risk and safeguarding trust in digital gambling environments.

• Digital Services Act (DSA) (EU) 2022/2065 – The Digital Services Act introduces enhanced obligations for online gambling and betting platforms that operate as digital intermediaries or online marketplaces. It regulates how betting operators manage user-generated content, advertising, and platform transparency, particularly where services are offered at scale or across borders.

For gambling businesses, the DSA is especially relevant to online advertising practices, influencer marketing, affiliate programs, and content moderation.

Operators must ensure that gambling content is not misleading, that advertising is clearly identifiable, and that minors and vulnerable users are effectively protected. The Regulation also requires transparent complaint-handling mechanisms and cooperation with authorities when illegal or non-compliant content is identified.

By imposing structured due-diligence and risk-management obligations, the DSA strengthens accountability and consumer protection in the digital gambling environment, making platform governance and compliance an integral part of lawful online betting operations in the EU.

• Consumer protection acquis (UCPD 2005/29/EC; CRD 2011/83/EU) – The EU consumer-protection framework plays a central role in regulating how gambling and online betting services are marketed, offered, and contracted with players. Under the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (UCPD), betting operators must ensure that advertising, bonuses, and promotional offers are clear, truthful, and not misleading, particularly in relation to odds, winnings, and wagering conditions.

The Consumer Rights Directive (CRD) complements this by setting rules on pre-contractual information, transparency of terms, and contract formation in online betting environments. Players must be clearly informed about the nature of the service, applicable restrictions, and financial conditions before participation. Together, these Directives strengthen player protection, informed decision-making, and fair commercial conduct, making consumer compliance a key regulatory pillar for lawful gambling operations across the EU.

• Advertising standards via AVMSD – Audiovisual Media Services Directive (EU) 2018/1808 (for certain communications) – The Audiovisual Media Services Directive sets the EU-wide standards for audiovisual advertising, including television broadcasts, on-demand video services, and certain online video-sharing platforms. For gambling and online betting operators, the Directive regulates how betting services may be promoted through audiovisual content, particularly where advertising reaches a broad or vulnerable audience.

The AVMSD imposes strict requirements aimed at protecting minors and preventing harmful or misleading communications. Gambling advertising must not encourage excessive play, present gambling as a solution to financial or personal problems, or target underage users. Influencer marketing, sponsorships, and embedded advertising within video content are subject to enhanced transparency and responsibility standards.

By harmonising advertising rules across Member States, the AVMSD ensures that gambling communications remain responsible, proportionate, and socially aware, making audiovisual compliance an essential element of lawful gambling and betting operations in the EU.

Gambling Act (licensing, operations, advertising)

Measures Against Money Laundering Act (AML) & secondary AML rules

Personal Data Protection Act

Ordinances of the State Commission on Gambling (now National Revenue Agency competences on supervision—per latest regime)