Seven European Regulators Launch Data-Sharing Pact to Combat Illegal Gambling

Gambling regulators from seven major European markets have formalized an agreement to share intelligence on illegal operators and jointly pressure digital platforms to remove unauthorized gambling advertisements.

The Madrid AgreementRepresentatives from Germany, Austria, France, Great Britain, Italy, Portugal, and Spain signed the declaration on November 12, 2025, at the headquarters of Spain's Directorate General for Gambling Regulation (DGOJ) in Madrid.

The agreement establishes three priority action areas:

Information exchange between regulators on illegal operatorsJoint demands to social media platforms and digital networks to strengthen controls against unlicensed advertisingEnhanced sharing of knowledge and best practices for identifying, investigating, and sanctioning illegal activitiesGrowing Concern Over Social Media AdvertisingThe regulators specifically highlighted the proliferation of illegal operator advertising across social media, video platforms, and affiliate networks as a primary concern. These channels allow unlicensed operators to target users across multiple jurisdictions while bypassing national regulations, exposing consumers—including minors and vulnerable individuals—to significant risks.

The borderless nature of digital gambling and rapid technological advancement make it increasingly easy for unauthorized operators to evade regulatory oversight, the joint statement noted.

International Cooperation on DisplayThe agreement was further reinforced during DGOJ's First International Gambling Congress held November 13-14, where regulators from Italy, Germany, the UK, and Spain participated in a panel discussing regulatory challenges and player protection strategies across Europe.

The declaration represents a significant escalation in cross-border enforcement coordination, signaling that operators targeting European markets without proper licensing face heightened detection and sanction risks across multiple jurisdictions simultaneously.