Online casinos in the European gambling market

Online casinos are one of the most popular types of gambling in Europe. According to the European Gaming Business Association (EGBA), the online gambling market in Europe was worth €26.3 billion in 2022, representing 23.2% of the global market. Online casinos in Poland attract players with their accessibility, diversity, innovation and high returns. However, they also face a number of challenges related to regulation, security, social responsibility and competition. In this article, we look at the stages of online casinos' evolution in Europe, their features, innovations, economic impact, as well as the prospects and challenges for the industry's further development.

Stages in the evolution of online casinos

Online casinos emerged in the mid-1990s, when the internet became widely available. The first online casino in history is considered to be Gaming Club, which was launched in 1994 by Microgaming. Other sites soon followed, offering players the opportunity to play various games such as roulette, blackjack, poker, slots and more. One of the first big successes was InterCasino, which offered players a 100% bonus on their first deposit. With the development of technology, online casinos have become more attractive and realistic. With improvements in graphics, sound, animation and interface, players were able to feel like they were playing in a real casino. One of the first casinos to use 3D graphics was 888 Casino, which was launched in 1997. There were also casinos that offered players the opportunity to play with live dealers who dealt cards or spun roulette in real time. The first such casino was Dublinbet, which was launched in 2004. Online gambling in Europe does not have a single regulator, but is governed by the laws of each individual country. Some countries, such as the UK, Malta, Gibraltar, Spain, Italy, France and others, have legalised online gambling and issue licences to operators who meet certain requirements. Other countries, such as Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark and others, have a state monopoly on gambling or restrict access to foreign websites. The European Commission is trying to harmonise online gambling regulations within the single market, but has encountered resistance from some member states.

Features of European online casinos

One of the features of European online casinos is the availability of certificates and licences that confirm their legality, integrity, security and quality. Certifications are issued by independent auditing companies such as eCOGRA, iTech Labs, GLI, TST and others, which check the randomness of number generators, payout percentage, data protection and other parameters. Licences are issued by the regulatory bodies that control the operations of online casinos in a particular jurisdiction. The most common regulatory body in Europe is the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). European online casinos are also distinguished by their responsibility towards players who may have problems with gambling addiction or gambling-related harm. Online casinos that are licensed by regulatory authorities are required to comply with certain rules designed to protect players. These rules include: Providing information on gambling risks, tips on responsible gaming and contacts of organisations that help players with gambling problems. Providing self-control tools, such as setting limits on deposits, bets, losses, playing time, the ability to self-exclude from the game for a certain period of time or permanently, the ability to switch off sound, animations, notifications, etc. Carrying out age and identity verification of players in order to prevent minors and fraudsters from participating in the game. Ensuring the confidentiality and security of player data using encryption, anti-virus protection, firewalls and other technologies. Working with regulators, auditors, law enforcement, gambling business organisations and public initiatives to maintain the integrity, transparency and social responsibility of the industry. European online casinos also attract players with a variety of games that cater to different tastes, interests and budgets. Online casinos offer players the opportunity to play traditional games such as roulette, blackjack, poker, baccarat, keno, craps, bingo and others, as well as modern games such as slots, video poker, scratch cards, lotteries, sports betting, e-sports, virtual sports and others. Online casinos work with leading gambling software developers such as NetEnt, Microgaming, Playtech, Evolution Gaming, Novomatic, IGT, Betsoft, Yggdrasil, Pragmatic Play and others, who are constantly creating new and high-quality games with interesting storylines, features, bonuses and jackpots.

5 well-known online casinos in Europe

- Monro Casino is a new online casino that was launched in October 2023 by Galaktika N.V.. It offers a 150% first deposit bonus, as well as weekly and daily promotions, tournaments, raffles and a VIP programme. You can play games from providers such as NetEnt, Microgaming, Play'n GO, Yggdrasil, Pragmatic Play and many more. The site has a modern design, easy navigation, a mobile version and Ukrainian language support. Payments can be made using Visa, Mastercard, Piastrix, Bitcoin and other methods.

- Europa Casino is one of the oldest and most popular online casinos in Europe, operating since 2003. It is licensed by Malta and operates on the Playtech platform. You can receive a welcome package of up to €2,400, which consists of a 100% bonus on your first deposit every month for a year, as well as a weekly loyalty bonus. You can play a variety of games including slots, table games, video poker, jackpots, live casino and much more. The site has a classic look, multilingual support, a mobile version and secure payment systems.

- Fresh Casino is a modern and bright online casino that offers 100% first deposit bonus + up to 500 FS. It is licensed by Curacao and runs on the SoftSwiss platform. You can play games from providers such as Amatic, Betsoft, Endorphina, Evolution, Quickspin and many more. The site has a fruity theme, bright colours, easy navigation, a mobile version and Russian language support. Payments can be made using Visa, Mastercard, QIWI, WebMoney, Bitcoin and other methods.

- Favbet Casino is a well-known and trusted online casino that offers a 100% bonus of up to FS 100 on deposits. It is licensed by Curacao and runs on the EveryMatrix platform. You can play games from providers such as NetEnt, Microgaming, Play'n GO, EGT, Novomatic and many more. The site has a sports theme, blue colour, easy navigation, mobile version and Ukrainian language support. Payments can be made using Visa, Mastercard, Mir, cryptocurrencies, Piastrix, Sky Pay and SBP.

- Legzo Casino is a new and interesting online casino that offers a welcome package of up to 300% and up to 500 FS. It is licensed by Curacao and runs on the SoftSwiss platform. You can play games from providers such as Amatic, Betsoft, Endorphina, Evolution, Quickspin and many more. The site has a modern design, bright colours, easy navigation, a mobile version and Russian language support. Payments can be made using Visa, Mastercard, cryptocurrencies and Piastrix.

Innovations in online casinos

One of the latest and most promising innovations in online casinos is the use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology in gambling games. VR and AR allow players to immerse themselves in immersive and interactive environments that simulate a real casino or other location. Players can interact with games, dealers, other players, objects and game elements using special devices such as VR helmets, controllers, sensors, cameras, etc. Some examples of VR casinos include SlotsMillion, Casino VR, Poker VR, Social Club VR and others. AR casinos add virtual objects to the real world, which increases the realism and immersion of the game. Some examples of AR casinos include Augmented Casino, AR Roulette, AR Blackjack and others. Another important innovation in online casinos is adaptation to mobile platforms, which allow players to play anywhere, anytime using smartphones and tablets. Mobile casinos offer players the same games, bonuses, payment options and security features as land-based casinos, but with an optimised interface that is suitable for small screens and touch controls. Players can play in mobile casinos via a browser or download special apps for iOS, Android, Windows Phone or other operating systems. Another innovation in online casinos is the development of community aspects that allow players to communicate, cooperate, compete and share experiences with other players. Online casinos are creating online communities that connect players by interest, level, language, geography and other criteria. Players can communicate via chat, voice and video communication, send messages, invite players to play, give gifts, and create clubs in which friends or strangers can participate. Online casinos also organise various community events such as tournaments, raffles, competitions and promotions to encourage players to actively participate and interact. Some examples of community casinos include Zynga Poker, Slotomania, DoubleDown Casino, Big Fish Casino and others.

Impact of online casinos on the European economy

Online casinos are an important part of the European economy, generating a significant financial contribution to the region's gross domestic product (GDP). According to EGBA, online gambling generated €16.2 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR) in 2022, representing 0.62% of European GDP. This figure is expected to increase to €20.4bn by 2025, representing 0.75% of European GDP. Online casinos also contribute to other industries such as telecommunications, information technology, advertising, media, tourism, transport, education and others. Online casinos are also an important source of tax revenue for the state, which is used to fund social programmes, healthcare, education, culture, sport, etc. Online casinos pay taxes according to the laws of the country in which they are licensed. The tax rate varies from country to country and game to game. For example, in the UK, online casinos pay 15% tax on gross receipts (GGR), in Spain 25%, in Italy 20%, in France 33%, in Denmark 20%, in Sweden 18% and others. According to EGBA, online gambling paid €5.6 billion in taxes in Europe in 2022. This figure is expected to rise to €7 billion by 2025. Online casinos are also a major employer, creating thousands of jobs in Europe. Online casinos employ not only their own employees, but also those of partner companies, such as programmers, auditors, advertising agencies, payment systems, consultants, lawyers, translators and others. According to EGBA, online gambling provided 74,000 jobs in Europe in 2022. This number is expected to grow to 92,000 jobs by 2025. Online casinos also make significant investments in the gaming industry, funding research and development of new technologies, games, services, sponsoring sports teams, events, charity projects, etc.

Thus, online casinos are one of the most popular types of gambling in Europe, with a rich history, diversity, innovation and social impact. Online casinos attract players with their accessibility, quality, rewards and excitement. Online casinos also provide a significant financial contribution to GDP, tax revenue, employment and investment in the gaming industry. Online casinos also meet high standards of fairness, security and responsibility, but are subject to different legal restrictions in different European countries. Online casinos are a dynamic and competitive industry that is constantly adapting to the changing needs and expectations of players.