7 European Regulators Unite to Tackle Illegal Online Gambling Networks

Seven major European gambling regulatory bodies have formed a coordinated alliance to strengthen their efforts against unlicensed and illegal online gambling operations. The agreement, reached during a high-level meeting in Madrid on November 12, 2025, marks a significant step in cross-border cooperation aimed at protecting consumers and improving enforcement mechanisms. iGaming Heute The regulators—representing Germany, Austria, France, Great Britain, Italy, Portugal and Spain—committed to three core initiatives: Regular and automatic exchange of intelligence and enforcement data on offshore operators. Cooperative action to curb unlawful marketing of gambling services via social media, video platforms and affiliates. Development of shared best-practice frameworks for detection and intervention, to be rolled out in 2026. According to the regulators, offshore networks are increasingly sophisticated, advertising via influencers and dodging national laws by shifting domains or targeting new jurisdictions. These platforms often exploit younger audiences using aggressive affiliate marketing, limited responsible gaming features and poor transparency around odds and payouts. The move comes amidst mounting pressure on national regulators, who say that unilateral efforts are no longer sufficient in a global digital landscape. Many online gambling operators now serve players across multiple countries, and national regulators face delays and resource constraints in pursuing them individually. Consumer-protection advocates welcomed the initiative but noted that much still depends on funding, legal reform and harmonised technologies. “This is a vital step, but what really matters is how quickly these agreements will translate into action, audits and real-world consequences for rogue operators,” said a senior spokesperson from a European gambling-harm NGO. Industry analysts believe that the cooperation could lead to new unified standards across Europe—covering areas like age verification, deposit limits, bonus transparency and game fairness. Such changes may impact how affiliate networks operate and shift operator strategies away from rapid unrestricted expansion. The agreement also signals to players and affiliates that Europe's gambling regulators are alert and ready to act—potentially reducing the appeal of illegal platforms that depend on free-floating domains and minimal regulation.