Best European Online Casinos for 2024 – EU Casino Guide

About the author

Name	Aidan Howe
Job	Chief Editor
Email	aidan.howe@bestcasinosites.net

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Aidan Howe, an LSE alumnus with an MSc in Social and Cultural Psychology, co-founded BestCasinoSites.net in 2015 with Harry Newton. Specialising in online casino safety, payment methods, and software analysis, he provides comprehensive reviews and reliable gambling information in a frequently misleading industry.

While the House usually wins, armed with knowledge and strategy, we can level the playing field.

European gambling regulations vary from country to country, so you must inform yourself on the local casino laws. If your country allows online gambling, you must make sure the chosen gaming site owns a permit from a regulatory body.

As we explained in our guide to the world’s best online casinos, the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority count among the most authoritative licensing bodies.

Our objective is to help you make the most suitable choice. We will explore the best EU online casino platforms and their game selections. We will list the current bonus offer and explain mobile compatibility, software specifics, and other essential criteria.

Best European Online Casino Sites by Type

We ranked the top 10 European online casinos based on reviews assessing various factors. We started by ensuring each casino was safe and owned a licence from the respective authority responsible for the local gambling market.

While conducting our reviews, we found that most operators excelled in certain categories. Based on our findings, we selected the best casinos by category.

Our expert reviewers know that players have different preferences. By identifying different types of casinos and choosing the best performer in each category, we can help you choose the most suitable operator for you. Check out the available options:

We followed a similar review process used in our best casino site guide. When assessing the games, we found some offer better slots, while others shined with diverse selections of roulette, blackjack, or live dealer games.

Many players have a favourite software developer that will influence their decision of where to play casino games online. So, we also hand-picked the top sites to play games from premium software providers like NetEnt, Microgaming, Playtech, and Evolution.

While some players prefer playing from a desktop, most prefer playing on mobile. With that in mind, we chose the best European online casino app compatible with Android and iOS.

Payment methods are a decision-making factor for some European gamblers. Thanks to their fast transactions and uncompromised security features, e-wallets and prepaid cards are among the most preferred deposit methods. So, we selected the best casinos that accept PayPal, Apple Pay, and paysafecard.

All of the top 10 EU online casinos offer bonuses and promotions. Since many players choose a new casino based on its welcome bonus, we paid close attention to the available promos and added the casino with the best offers to our list.

Legal Online Casino Gambling in Europe

Land-based and online gambling laws vary from one country to another. Each government decides the local gambling regulations and establishes a commission to monitor and regulate the market.

While some allow all forms of online gambling, others are less permissive. To see where your country’s casino laws stand, use our list of legal online gambling activities and the most important European gaming authorities as a reference.

Without doubt, the most evolved gambling markets in Europe are Germany, Great Britain, and Malta. In our experience, you can find the widest choice of options at the best online gambling sites in the UK, which offer slots, table games, betting apps, lottery, and more.

Other countries, such as Italy and Spain, also present a good range of licensed gaming and sports betting operators. We will tell you more about the leading markets in the following sections.

Germany: The Biggest Casino Gambling Market in Europe

As of 1 July 2021, the Interstate Treaty of Gambling came into force. It introduced a distinguishment between online casino games and virtual slot machine games, the latter being described as a replication of land-based slot machines offered online.

In January 2023, the Joint Gambling Authority of the German federal states allowed operators to apply for a permit to organise online poker games and offer virtual slot machines. The legal gambling age varies from 18 to 21 years old in some states.

Each federal state has the right to establish a state monopoly or to issue gambling licences to private gaming operators. With the new laws coming into force, players can choose from multiple game variations at the top 10 German online casinos.

Besides a variety of online gaming platforms, German residents can also visit land-based casinos. The most famous venues are The Kurhaus (Baden-Baden), Casino Aachen (Aachen), and The Bayerische Casino (Lindau).

United Kingdom: Safe & Fair Gambling Opportunities

British players can legally participate in online gambling games offered by UKGC-licensed operators. The UK Gambling Commission is the official regulatory body of betting sites, land-based and online casinos, bingo halls, and arcades.

In addition, the National Lottery is also under the supervision of the UKGC, and so are gambling software providers. For operators, it’s mandatory to collaborate with responsible gambling organisations. In that way, they support the UKGC’s objective to make gambling safer.

There is a good offering of operators in the British gambling market. While researching for our article on the top 20 online casinos in the UK, we discovered all of them offer advanced security measures for deposits and withdrawals.

The top European online casinos operating in the UK must hold a certificate for a completed RTP audit. Casino testing agencies like eCOGRA, iTech labs, and GLI are among the most reputable in the industry. You will find their logos on multiple casino sites in Great Britain.

There are dozens of venues for fans of traditional gambling. Land-based casinos are available in London, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and many other cities. The most popular are Hippodrome, Empire Casino, and the Ritz Club in London, followed by The Grosvenor Casino in Birmingham.

Italy: A Thriving Online Casino Scene

In 2006, Italy started expanding its online gambling market by legalising sports betting sites. In 2007, card games of skill became legal, but it wasn’t until 2011 that online casinos received the green light.

The local AAMS (Autonomous Administration of State Monopolies) is responsible for licensing the top 10 Italian online casinos and other betting platforms. Offshore operators are welcome to offer gambling games if they receive a permit from the AAMS.

Players over 18 years old can enjoy betting online, but they must provide their Italian fiscal code to the operator. This practice is applied to prevent minors from gambling online. Operators also must offer self-help programmes like cool-off periods, gambling limits, and self-exclusion.

There aren’t many big land-based gaming venues, but they are spectacular. The most popular casinos in Italy are the Casino di Venezia, with its two locations in The Floating City. Other options are the Casino de la Vallee, Casino di Sanremo, and Casino di Campione d’Italia.

Spain: Well-Regulated & Safe Gambling Market

The Spanish gambling market is one of the most dynamic and hosts some of the best EU online casinos. After a years-long prohibition on slot machines, they finally became legal in 2015, opening many possibilities for operators and players.

Online lottery and sports betting were first authorised in 2006, while online casinos have been legally operating with a licence from the DGOJ since 2011. The DGOJ (General Directorate for the Regulation of Gambling Activities) is the official regulatory agency in Spain.

It takes care of issuing remote gambling permits. All operators, including the top 10 Spanish online casinos must comply with the local gambling laws. In 2022, the Spanish government introduced some restrictions regarding gambling advertisements.

Unfortunately, welcome bonuses are no longer permitted, and promotions are only available to players that have had a casino account for at least one month. In addition, the players must have made a minimum of three deposits before becoming eligible for a bonus offer.

The Most Reputable European Online Casino Licensing Organisations

You can recognise the best European online casino by checking for impeccable safety measures and a valid remote gambling permit. The licensing authority depends on the local market and will vary from one country to another.

Overall, the standards for online EU casinos are high as they have many laws to comply with. You may have already heard about some of the reputable licensing bodies of European online casinos, but it’s worth mentioning them again.

The UKGC is responsible for authorising the safe online casinos in the UK, while the MGA is Malta’s official gaming regulator. The Gibraltar Regulatory Authority and the Swedish Gambling Authority are other prominent examples of organisations with high-security standards and player protection practices.

The United Kingdom Gambling Commission

Established under the 2005 Gambling Act, the United Kingdom Gambling Commission monitors all offline and online gambling activities. The only area it doesn’t cover is spread betting, which is under the control of the Financial Conduct Authority.

The UKGC is supported by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport of Great Britain and is an executive non-departmental public body. It aims to keep gambling safe, fair, and crime-free.

If you see a platform licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, it’s likely that it ranks among the best European casinos. The Commission issues three types of permits – operating, personal, and premises.

The licences for operators are divided into many subcategories, while employees need to own a personal gambling licence. The personal licence from the UKGC can be for management purposes or for operational staff (dealers, security officers, gambling supervisors, etc).

A premises licence is needed if you want to open a betting venue, casino premises, bingo facility, or another entertainment centre connected to gambling. All licence applications are thoroughly vetted by the Commission.

The Malta Gaming Authority

The Malta Gaming Authority is the second most famous iGaming regulator in Europe. You will see its logo at many of the best European online casinos. The MGA’s objective is to monitor its licensees and ensure they offer fair play and transparent terms and conditions.

In the early 2000s, Malta was among the first European countries to identify the opportunities that online gambling could bring. Consequently, the Malta Gaming Authority was founded in 2001.

The MGA licenses and regulates land-based and online gambling venues. In Malta, you can legally bet on casino games, DFS, sports betting, bingo, and lotteries. Check for the MGA logo when choosing an EU casino online.

The Swedish Gambling Authority

Supervised by the Ministry of Finance, the Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen) regulates the local casino market. The gaming authority grants permits for lotteries, bingo, online gambling games, and restaurant casinos. The Authority is not responsible for games of skill, which the local tax agency monitors.

Since its establishment in 2019, the main objective of the Spelinspektionen has been to maintain a safe gambling environment by providing supervision, compliance, and training. Over 70 people work for the authority.

There is a department dedicated to social consideration and risk minimisation, which is tasked with trying to prevent Swedish players from falling into the trap of gambling addiction.

The Gibraltar Regulatory Authority

The Licensing Authority issues licences for online gambling companies in Gibraltar. It is part of the Government Department for Financial Services and Gaming. The regulatory role is allocated to the Gambling Commissioner, which is established as the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority under the Gambling Act 2005.

The Gibraltar Regulatory Authority (GRA) is an independent statutory body. It is responsible for ensuring that gambling licensees operate according to the licensing requirements. Its other main duties include regulating and supervising electronic communications, including TV, radio, and broadcasting.

On the Government of Gibraltar’s official website, you can find the complete list of the legal online gambling operators authorised by the Licensing Authority and regulated by the GRA.

The local Gambling Commission has strict policies for customer privacy and data protection, which licensees must respect. The GRA works closely with the Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association, a trade organisation representing licensed iGaming operators from Gibraltar.

Germany’s Joint Gambling Authority

Germany’s Joint Gambling Authority was established by the states on 1st July 2021. As of 1st January 2023, the federal states of Germany have transferred the supervision and licensing tasks to the Joint Gambling Authority of Germany.

The GGL, abbreviated from Gemeinsamen Glücksspielbehörde der Länder, is responsible for monitoring the development of the online gambling market and penalising those operating gaming sites without a German licence.

On the official website of the Joint Gambling Authority, you can find a complete list of the whitelisted operators in Germany. The headquarters of the GGL is in Halle (Saale).

The GGL’s over 110 professionals join forces to promote responsible gambling and ensure the protection of players. The new gaming regulator collaborates with national health organisations and institutions that help gamblers fight addiction.

Online Gambling in Europe at a Glance

At many of the best European casino sites, you can choose from several online gambling products. These include online casino games – video slots, progressive jackpots, table games, online poker, scratchcards, and more.

Virtual bingo rooms are available for EU players, and online lottery tickets are available as well. Many of the operators also offer online sports betting. Check out the different types of gambling products available online:

In addition to online casino games and sports betting, other trends are taking over the European iGaming scene. Skill-based games like daily fantasy sports are among them.

You can compete with other players by forming a professional team and then join competitions with excellent rewards. Football, baseball, cricket, golf, and many other popular sports are available as DFS tournaments.

The tendency to play online moves toward mobile gaming. More players prefer accessing their preferred EU casino sites via smartphones and tablets. Gambling operators, of course, follow the latest trends and optimise their platforms for Android, iOS, and other operating systems.

Europeans can play via a mobile browser or download a native app. The second option usually stands out with an overall better performance of the games and quick, 1-tap access.

Land-based casinos and betting venues are still popular. However, trends are changing as the number of countries with licensed gambling sites increases. For example, more players prefer to visit sports betting sites in the UK than betting shops. Online betting offers easy access and great odds that are hard to compete with.

Sports betting and online casino games have a large fan base, but so does the lottery. At the best European online casino platforms, you can play keno – a lottery-style game with easy rules and excellent winning opportunities.

Alternatively, some operators specialise in offering mostly online lotto variations. Our research shows that the best lottery sites in the UK are preferred among players as they offer access to the Powerball, Mega Millions, and Euro Jackpot draws.

How We Rate the Best EU Online Casinos

To select the best European online casinos, we followed a strict process of evaluating each operator. Not only have we verified each licence, but we have also taken into consideration other security measures like privacy policies and SSL encryption.

We have checked that independent EU audit agencies have tested the payouts at the recommended gaming platforms. Furthermore, since we are speaking of real money gambling, our team has ensured you have enough safe payment methods at your disposal.

After also analysing multiple game selections, we finally selected the best European casino online. We considered specifications like RNG software portfolios and the live dealer casino providers to ensure you will experience a fun gaming session with fair winning chances.

Below, we have listed the key categories we assess when reviewing and rating online casinos. In the following sections of our guide, we will delve into each category in more detail.

Safety Requirements for EU Casino Sites

To obtain a remote gambling licence, each operator must comply with a set of security requirements that will guarantee a worry-free gaming session for players. These criteria include an RTP certificate, advanced data encryption, compliance with SSL protocols, and providing trusted banking options.

Below, you can find an overview of the safety and security features at some of the recommended European online casinos:

Personal data protection is a priority for safe European casinos online. If you play at a licensed gaming site, no third parties will have access to your banking details, address, or name.

Complying with responsible gambling practices is another requirement imposed by online casino licensing organisations in Europe. All operators should collaborate with at least one responsible gambling institution like GamCare, Gamblers Anonymous, or Gambling Therapy.

According to the online gambling laws in Europe, gaming sites are not allowed to accept minors. Most gambling regulators and governments have taken measures to prevent underage gambling from happening.

In Italy, for example, it’s mandatory to enter your fiscal code to create a casino account. In other countries, you may need to provide a copy of your ID card or passport during sign-up and before you complete a withdrawal.

The Most Popular Online Casino Games

The variety of game options is endless at the best European casino online platforms. Online slot machines, table games, and live dealer tables are available for low rollers and high rollers

You can adjust the betting ranges according to your budget. Many bonus features and side bets can better the odds in some games. Check the complete list of gambling games available at the best EU online casinos.

Slot games are always popular with players as they come with simplistic gameplay and high levels of entertainment. Their rules are uncomplicated, and no skills are required to start playing the best European casino slots.

Another preferred category is live dealer games. When you play at EU live online casinos, real dealers will take care of your entertainment. You can enjoy an authentic casino atmosphere while playing table games and live game shows online.

Live online roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and poker come in dozens of variations provided by top-notch software houses. You can enjoy traditional gameplay or try out innovative versions of the classics.

The Best Online Casino Slots & Sites

Spinning the reels of online slots is suitable for players of all levels. As a game of chance, it doesn’t require you to prepare strategies in advance. Most online slots present a classic 3×5 grid with fixed paylines.

Others give you more winning possibilities and have adjustable win lines, but that depends on how the software developer created them. You can see some of the characteristics of the best online slots for Europeans below:

You can easily recognise the quality games from the rest. They stand out with modern graphics with 3D animations. Bonus features are a part of the game mechanics of slots – free spins, multipliers, wild symbols, and scatters are among them.

Slot return-to-player rates range from 90% to 99%, and you can often play them with bonus funds. Low-variance slots promise smaller but more frequent rewards. On the contrary, high-variance slot games can reward you generously, but the hit frequency is lower.

Before you play for real money, you can try a demo version at some EU casino online platforms. There are slot themes to suit every preference. Branded slots are a big hit, but classic themes with symbols like cherries and bars are still popular.

Slot games are usually built with HTML5 technology and are mobile-compatible. Our gambling experts have noted that the best online slots in the UK are available in other counties as well, which makes your range of choices wider.

The Best Live Online Casinos

Real dealer games are the shortcut to enjoying a genuine casino experience with a high dose of thrill. Playing against the croupier adds a touch of adrenaline that no other gambling game category can offer.

Low and high betting limits are available, catering to all players. If you are interested in enjoying the most authentic real casino atmosphere available online, check our list of the best European live dealer casinos:

A quality platform for live dealer games should feature several variations of the most popular table games. Blackjack and roulette often share first place in players’ preferences, but that may vary depending on your region.

French, American, and European Roulette must be available. The same goes for the game of 21. The best European online casino would offer high-limit blackjack and other popular titles like Live Infinite Blackjack.

Baccarat is another popular live dealer game, followed by craps and Sic Bo. Live game shows are another highly requested category. Evolution’s Crazy Time, Dream Catcher, and MONOPOLY Live enjoy a large fan base in Europe.

Another entertaining option is Deal or No Deal Live. It is one of Evolution’s most ingenious game shows. The software developer is also popular for its Lightning Blackjack and Lightning Roulette.

Playtech is another premium software brand you will find at the best European online casinos. The developer has elegant live studios in Riga, Latvia. Its most popular titles are Unlimited Blackjack and Speed Roulette.

Playtech’s real dealer games are streamed in HD quality, thanks to first-class technology equipment. You can find many games from its portfolio at the best UK live online casinos.

Online Casino Bonuses – 2024‘s Best EU Casino Site Deals

Any reputable EU casino online will offer you the chance to get some bonus funds. Casino bonuses can include free spins or extra cash. They are available to new and regular players and usually require a deposit to claim them.

Below, we listed the top 5 welcome bonuses available at the recommended European online casinos. We have included the key terms to help you decide which best suits your needs.

The minimum deposits usually range from 10€ to 20€. You can receive a match of 100% to 200%, depending on how generous the operator is. You will have a predetermined period in which you have to complete the wagering requirements.

You could get up to 30 days if you claim one of the best online casino bonuses in the UK. The same goes for other European countries. Consider the wagering requirements, as they sometimes might be too hard to fulfil in time.

Explore the offers on your local market and check for reasonable terms – 15x – 35x is the average. The paythrough conditions will show you how many times you need to wager the bonus sum (and sometimes the deposit amount) before you can withdraw your winnings.

Game weighting is another decision-making factor when it comes to bonuses. Slots generally contribute 100% toward completing the wagering requirements. Table games usually contribute 5% – 20%, depending on the operator.

Payout Rates

The payout rate of a casino is the percentage that shows you what portion of bets the casino pays back to players in the long term. The closer an RTP rate is to 100%, the better the casino pays out.

All online casino games have an RTP. The more high RTP games the casino offers, the higher the average theoretical casino payout rate. See how the best European online casinos pay out in the following list:

Payout audits are necessary to ensure an online casino operator offers fair and unbiased payouts. Reputable independent testing agencies like eCOGRA verify if the published games’ RTPs are accurate.

By using a system to identify potential fraud patterns, the auditors evaluate the total bets and total wins to determine whether the fairness of the results is uncompromised. The average RTPs of the best payout casino sites in the UK are above 96.00%.

These percentages are based on the difference between the total money the casino received and the sum of payouts it distributed to players. If a casino received 1000€ in wagers and it paid back 960€, the approximate RTP of the gaming platform would be 96.00%.

Casino Payment Methods Recommended for European Players

A reputable online casino for European players must accept a good range of payment methods – debit cards and e-wallets are the most preferred. These banking options are suitable for deposits and withdrawals.

They stand out with fast processing times and advanced security features. Check the complete list of trusted payment options available to use at the best European online casino platforms:

In most cases, real money casino sites would ask you to use the same withdrawal method as the one you deposited with. This is an anti-money laundering protocol. Keep in mind that prepaid cards are not eligible for payouts.

For security purposes, you must verify your account before withdrawing your winnings. You will need to send a copy of your ID card, driver’s licence, or passport to customer support. After they confirm your casino account, you can proceed with a withdrawal request.

You will receive your winnings within 24 hours to several business days. The payout speed depends on each casino’s policies. For example, UK online casinos with fast withdrawals proceed with all payout requests within a few hours.

The withdrawal speed also varies by payment method. If you want to receive your winnings as fast as possible, we suggest choosing e-wallets like PayPal and Skrill. In contrast bank transfers and debit cards take the longest to process.

European Currency Overview and Compatibility

If you play at a licensed online casino, they would likely accept multiple European currencies. Of course, most of them accept payments in euros, but when it comes to other currencies, you need to double-check the casino’s policies.

For your convenience, we have researched online casino payment options for different European countries. We have listed the recommended operators and payment methods for various EU currencies:

The best EU online casino sites don’t usually apply additional fees for currency conversion. However, your online payment provider may do. Inform yourself about all aspects before choosing a banking option.

Other key details are the minimum and maximum deposit ranges, especially if you are interested in playing at high-stakes online casinos or another European country. Deposit limits can vary significantly between different payment methods.

Can You Use Cryptocurrencies at European Online Casinos?

Cryptocurrencies are digital coins using a decentralised blockchain system for transfers. Crypto payments for online casino deposits and withdrawals meet the highest security standards. It’s a preferred payment method for many gamblers because it guarantees 100% anonymity, and third parties cannot access your data.

Even though transaction processing times decrease with crypto payments, many casino operators still don’t accept them. One of the reasons is the constantly varying volatility of cryptocurrencies, which hides a risk for casino operators. We have summarised the pros and cons:

Regardless of the risks for operators, some top European online casinos accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other popular crypto coins. Despite its minor disadvantages, our team agrees that cryptocurrency has changed the online casino industry.

It eliminates banking fees and makes the payment process easier and time-effective. We discovered that the best Bitcoin online casinos in the United Kingdom accept crypto payments via Neteller. That goes for other European countries as well.

The Most Popular Casino Software Brands

If you have a favourite casino game, you may also have a software developer that you prefer. Hundreds of brands create gambling games, but some software providers stand out with excellent payouts, immersive graphics, and industry awards.

If you are not familiar with them yet, you can check the following list. We have collated the top-rated software developers that provide games at EU online casinos:

The most popular software brands for online slot games are NetEnt, Microgaming, and Play’n GO. Their slots are renowned for their high-quality graphics, fun themes, and exciting bonus features.

There are many other successful brands famous for creating slot games. Big Time Gaming is one of the best. BGT created the Megaways slots series, where the innovative payline configuration offers thousands of ways to win.

Playtech is known for its premium table and live dealer games like roulette and blackjack. When it comes to live casino software, Evolution and Pragmatic Play are on top of the best online casino software list. Their real dealer games are certified in many countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

We hope you found our detailed guide to the best European online casinos helpful. Before you leave this page, we suggest you check the FAQ section, where we answer our readers’ most frequently asked questions about casino sites and their games, payouts, and other characteristics.

Play at Online Casinos from Europe with the Help of Our Guides

We believe you are now ready to start playing at online casinos. We have reported on the legal situation and selected the top 10 casinos for Europeans that cover our quality criteria and comply with local gambling laws.

We recommend that you explore the possible options for your country before starting to play for real money. We also want to remind you to gamble responsibly. Set limits and stick to them to help you enjoy a safe gaming experience.

If you need more guidance on other gambling-related topics, we are here to help. Our site offers many guides related to online casinos, bonuses, games, payouts, and more, created by our online gambling experts.

External References Used for This Guide

We gather information from international media, iGaming regulators, and local authorities to ensure our guide is reliable and up-to-date. Before listing any online casino operator, we make sure its permit is valid.

We also consider whether the gaming platform complies with responsible gambling practices and make sure they offer tools such as self-exclusion programmes and deposit limits. We advise you to set a budget and follow it to help you stay safe while playing online.

To us, it’s essential to provide transparency to our readers, and that means sharing some of our resources. We have included various links to European gambling regulatory authorities throughout this guide. In this section, we share some other sources we have consulted.