Six European Gambling Regulators Unite Against Illegal Online Operators

Gambling regulators from six European countries convened in Madrid on November 12, 2025, issuing a joint declaration targeting the growing threat of illegal online gambling operations.

Portugal's SRIJ joined counterparts from Austria, France, Great Britain, Italy, and Spain for discussions centered on combating unauthorized operators who continue to evade regulatory oversight.

Joint Declaration Targets Digital AdvertisingThe regulators expressed particular concern over the proliferation of advertising by unlicensed operators through digital channels, specifically highlighting:

Social media platformsVideo streaming servicesAffiliate marketing networksAccording to the joint statement, these advertising activities violate national laws across all six jurisdictions and expose vulnerable individuals, including minors, to significant gambling-related risks.

Key Commitments from RegulatorsThe institutional declaration emphasized that illegal online gambling undermines the entire regulatory framework designed to protect public interest. The borderless nature of online gambling combined with rapid technological innovation makes it increasingly difficult to maintain effective oversight.

The six regulators committed to strengthening cooperation on consumer protection, market integrity, and compliance enforcement within their respective legal frameworks.

For licensed operators, this coordinated approach signals intensified scrutiny of marketing practices and potentially stricter enforcement against affiliates promoting unauthorized gambling sites. The statement marks a renewed commitment to protect the integrity of regulated markets and shield citizens from illegal gambling risks.