Best safe online casinos in Europe

Our top 5 favourite casinos in Europe this month

Below is an overview of our top recommendations in August for best EU online casinos and their sign-up bonuses:

Casino	Welcome Offer	Games Library	Payout Speed	Licensing Authority
iWild	550% Bonus up to €4000 + 550 free spins	7,000+	Instant	Curaçao (CGCB)
Snatch	Bonus up to €800 + 100 free spins + 20% cashback	6,000+	Up to 48 hrs	Curaçao (CGCB)
20Bet	100% Bonus up to €120 + 120 free spins	11,500+	48 hours	Curaçao (CGCB)
Betrix	50 No Deposit Free Spins + 50 free spins with first deposit	5,300+	2-48 hours	Curaçao (CGCB)
Betpanda	100% Bonus Up to 1 BTC + 10% weekly cashback	4,000+	Instant	Curaçao eGaming

Top-rated online casinos for European players

Here we will guide you through the top online casinos in Europe this month.  Each one brings different strengths and packages that will satisfy every type of player. Discover which one suits you best.

Popular bonuses you can claim at the best EU casinos?

Most online casinos love throwing bonuses at you. But which ones are actually worth your time? Which bonuses are genuinely good, and which are just a mess once you read the fine print?

We’ve had a dig around and here are the bonuses that stand out right now.

Bonus Type	Casino offering It	Details
Matched Bonus	BC.Game	With an initial minimum deposit of €10, players can get a 120% matched bonus up to €500
Free Spins Bundle	Verde Casino	Over 4 initial deposits, players can receive up to 220 free spins
Cashback Bonus	Snatch Casino	Get 20% weekly cashback up to €800
No deposit bonus	Betrix	Using the code 50FS, players can claim 50 no deposit free spins

Bonus trends in key European countries

However, different countries have different bonus habits. Here's a quick snapshot of what players actually go for in each country, not just what's advertised the most

🇫🇮 Finland: Free spins

Finnish players love a good free spin offer, ideally with no wagering or very low playthrough. It’s not just about the number of spins, either. It’s about getting them on games they actually play (like Book of Dead or Big Bass Bonanza), not some random slot no one’s heard of.

🇮🇪 Ireland: Welcome bonuses

Irish players tend to go all-in on welcome bonuses, especially ones that offer 100% or more on their first top-up. They frequently compare bonuses before signing up and are known to bonus-hop across platforms.

🇳🇱 Netherlands: Cashback deals

Dutch players are big fans of cashback deals. These offers are the kind where you get a percentage of your losses back, no strings attached. It’s a safer bet, especially now that local laws limit aggressive welcome offers. Even a steady 10% weekly cashback gets plenty of attention.

🇩🇪 Germany: No deposit bonuses

German players tend to be risk-averse and value-conscious. A no deposit bonus lets them explore the casino’s games, interface, and payout speed without committing real money. They are also more likely to align with regulatory limits that discourage large, risky deposit offers.

🇪🇺 Country	🎁 Most popular bonus type	🔍 Why it’s preferred
🇫🇮 Finland	Free spins	Low/no wagering, often tied to popular games
🇮🇪 Ireland	Welcome bonus	Broad access, bonus-hunting culture, sports/casino overlap
🇳🇱 Netherlands	Cashback bonus	Safer, strings-free recovery from losses
🇩🇪 Germany	No deposit bonuses	Appeal more to mobile and casual players

Payment methods in EU online casinos

Let’s talk about getting your money in and, more importantly, out. Because if a casino makes you jump through hoops just to withdraw your own cash, that’s a red flag right there.

Here’s a quick overview of the main payment methods used by European players and what to expect when it comes to withdrawals:

Method	Avg. withdrawal time	Notes
Trustly	0–24 hrs	Instant to most EU bank accounts — smooth and fast
Skrill/Neteller	0–12 hrs	Generally the fastest option, especially once verified
PayPal	0–24 hrs	Solid choice, though not all casinos support it
Credit/Debit	2–5 business days	Slower, but nearly always available
Crypto	Varies	Can be super quick… or weirdly delayed. Site dependent

Most top platforms provide multiple withdrawal options and maintain RTP rates of 95% or higher. Here are 3 of our favourite picks for speed, reliability and range of payment options:

Casino	RTP%	Withdrawal time	Payment method
BC.Game	96%	Instant	Crypto
Betpanda	96%	1-5 business days	Crypto
Betrix	95%	2 - 24 hours	E-wallets, Debit Cards, Bank Transfer

Europeans’ favourite casino games and providers

It's a common occurrence. You think to yourself, 'Ok, I'll just play a few spins,' and then three hours later, you find yourself deep into a bonus round on a slot because it has a cute mascot or funny name'

But if you’re wondering what games and providers are actually popular across Europe (and not just shoved in your face by every welcome bonus), here’s the lowdown:

Most played casino games in Europe

Slots are still king of the hill. Favourites include:

• Book of Dead (Play’n GO)

• Gonzo’s Quest Megaways (Red Tiger)

• Big Bass Bonanza (Pragmatic Play)

• Sugar Rush (Pragmatic Play)

Live Casino games, for when you want the vibe of a real casino without putting on trousers:

• Lightning Roulette (Evolution): Live Lightning Roulette represented 15% of the live dealer player base and averaged 56,938 daily players.

• Funky Time (Evolution): Funky Time captured 25% of player engagement in 2024, making it the second most played live game across the EU.

• Crazy Time (Evolution): In 2024, it accounted for an astonishing 35% of the total live dealer player base.

• Sweet Bonanza Candyland (Pragmatic Play): Sweet Bonanza Candyland drew in 20% of the player base. It ranked third in terms of popularity and saw an average of 83,701 players per day.

Table games are seen as old-school, but are going through an evolution with newer online casinos adding innovation games to their portfolio:

Game Type	Description & Appeal
Traditional Virtual Table Games	Core games like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker—widely popular and accessible.
Video Poker & RNG Variants	Fast-paced, strategy-rich options with strong odds and high RTP.
Innovative Virtual Variants	Creative spins like Space Invaders Roulette or Texas Hedge’em.
VR/AR Table Games	Immersive, next-gen experiences via virtual reality and augmented overlays.
Social Mobile Poker	Free-to-play, social poker apps (e.g., Pokerist) with huge user bases.

Top 5 casino game developers in the EU

Europe is home to some of the biggest names in online casino gaming. These developers are known for creating popular slots and live dealer games that players love. In this section, we’ll quickly run through a few of the top developers, their standout games, and what makes them so popular in the EU market.

Developer	Known For	Strengths	Why It's Popular
NetEnt	Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest, Dead or Alive	Slick visuals, fair RTPs, iconic slot titles	Trusted by nearly all major EU casinos; consistently delivers blockbuster slots
Play’n GO	Book of Dead, Reactoonz, Moon Princess	Mobile-optimised games, fast gameplay, high volatility titles	Dominates the EU slot scene thanks to frequent new releases and feature-packed mechanics
Pragmatic Play	Gates of Olympus, Sweet Bonanza, Big Bass Bonanza	Fast game development cycle, lots of bonus features	Massive selection of slots and live casino games, with wide language and currency support
Evolution	Lightning Roulette, Crazy Time, Monopoly Live	Industry leader in live casino and game shows	Offers the most engaging and professional live dealer experiences in the EU market
Novomatic	Book of Ra, Lucky Lady’s Charm, Sizzling Hot	Classic land-based style slots	Huge brand recognition, especially among players transitioning from retail to online

Customer support at EU casinos

The best customer support should be the picture of efficiency, with highly trained staff available across a variety of contact options. The most common forms are live chat, email and by phone, with the best brands bringing these 24/7. What is key to look out for here is the speed of response as well as how many languages are served by the casino’s team.

Safety and security

The best online casinos bring a true cutting edge when it comes to securing players' data, credentials and transactions. Some of the most prominent features afforded by the best in the online casino industry include;

• Encryption and SSL technology: An encryption protocol is always a necessity for security online; online casinos most often use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology. 

• Two-factor authentication (2FA): Some online casinos implement 2FA for added security during financial transactions. This involves a secondary authentication step, such as a one-time code sent to a player's mobile device, to confirm the transaction's legitimacy.

• KYC: Know-Your-Customer is a process involving a series of checks which are intended to validate the identity of an online casino’s customer, keeping both its current customers safe and the casino’s operations as a whole, secure.

• Transparent transaction policies: The most secure online casinos have clear and transparent policies regarding deposits, withdrawals, and fees. Players should always be well-informed and protected against unexpected financial surprises.

• Fair terms and conditions: Upon registering at an online casino, a player should be well informed about the conditions of their activities. These terms should be fair and straightforward to fulfil, making it easier and not more complex to gamble at any given online casino.

How safe are these EU online casinos

EU-licensed online casinos are among the safest in the world thanks to strict regulatory oversight and robust security standards. All casinos operating within the European Union must comply with EU consumer protection laws, anti-money laundering regulations, and data privacy rules like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This means your personal and financial information is handled with the highest level of care.

We personally test every casino we recommend to make sure it’s up to scratch. That includes checking for:

• A valid EU licence (like from the Malta Gaming Authority)

• Secure payments and data encryption (SSL)

• Fair games, verified by independent testers

• Strong account protection, like 2FA

Tips to stay protected

While all the EU online casinos we recommend are 100% trusted and reliable, here are a few tips to stay safe while gambling:

• Use secure Wi-Fi: Stick to private, password-protected networks. Avoid public Wi-Fi when logging into your casino account.

• Play at licensed sites: Only use casinos regulated by trusted EU bodies like the MGA or Spelinspektionen.

• Check for SSL: Look for the padlock icon in your browser—it means your data is encrypted.

• Turn on 2FA: If available, enable two-factor authentication for extra account protection.

• Watch out for scams: Don’t click dodgy links or give out passwords. Real casinos won’t ask for them over email.

European online casino licences

Casino operators will incur serious penalties and might even have their licences revoked if regulations are not adhered to. The regulations imposed by the authorities ensure that both the operator and the players are playing at safe online casinos, with security and player protection being the most important aspects of running a casino site.

Here is a table which highlights the most trusted regulators from around Europe:

Authority	Description	Key Rules
UKGC (UK)	One of the toughest regulators. All UK casinos must hold a UKGC licence and follow strict safety and fairness rules.	• T&Cs must be clear • No childlike imagery • Misleading ads banned
MGA (Malta)	A key EU regulator known for enforcing strict rules on fairness, crime prevention, and responsible play.	• Transparent operations • Anti-money laundering checks • Must promote safe gambling
AGCC (Alderney)	A respected Channel Islands authority, monitoring licensed casinos for safety and fairness.	• Secure platforms • Fair win rates • Only personal payment methods allowed
GSC (Isle of Man)	Long-standing regulator focusing on fair play, AML, and protecting minors from gambling.	• Upholds fairness • Fines up to €5000 • Strict AML rules (2019 code)

The aforementioned regulators are in our opinion the most significant to the EU gambling industry as a whole. However, these are of course only a select few, with 27 member states part of the EU alone. There are of course many more.

To find the ones most relevant to you as a player, We’ve compiled a directory below;

European Gambling Authority	Abbreviation	Country
Alderney Gambling Control Commission	AGCC	Alderney
Armenia Ministry of Finance	MinFin	Armenia
Austrian Ministry of Finance	BMF	Austria
Belgian Gaming Commission	Gaming Commission	Belgium
Bulgarian National Revenue Agency	NRA	Bulgaria
Croatia Ministry of Finance	MFIN	Croatia
Cyprus Gaming Supervision	CGC	Cyprus
Danish Gambling Authority	Spillemyndigheden	Denmark
Estonian Tax and Customs Board	EMTA	Estonia
Finland Ministry of Interior	InterMin	Finland
France Gambling Authority	ANJ	France
Germany Minister of Interior, Building and Community	BMI	Germany
Gibraltar Regulatory Authority	GRA	Gibraltar
Hellenic Gaming Commission	HGC	Greece
Hungarian Gambling Supervisory Authority	GSA/SZF	Hungary
Irish Department of Justice	DOJ	Ireland
Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission	GSC	Isle of Man
Italy Administration of State Monopolies	ADM	Italy
Jersey Gambling Commission	JGC	Jersey
Latvia Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory	IAUI	Latvia
Lithuania Gaming Control Authority	LPT	Lithuania
Malta Gaming Authority	MGA	Malta
Moldova Public Service Agency	ASP	Moldova
Netherlands Gaming Authority	Kansspelautoriteit	The Netherlands
Norwegian Gambling Authority	Lottstift	Norway
Portugal Gambling Inspection and Regulation Service	SRIJ	Portugal
Romania National Gambling Office	ONJN	Romania
Serbia Ministry of Finance - Gaming Administration	UIS	Serbia
Spanish Directorate-General for Regulation of Gambling	DGOJ	Spain
Swedish Gambling Authority	Spelinspektionen	Sweden
United Kingdom Gambling Commission	UKGC	United Kingdom

European gambling trends and insights

Not all gamblers across Europe have the same gambling habits. We've looked into the different trends, insights, and what's hot in each of the gambling hotbeds around the continent.

Which European country bets the most?

Based on the most recent data from 2024, Ireland leads Europe when it comes to betting expenditures, as it spends roughly €500 per person. Ireland is then closely followed by Sweden and Italy, which spend around €300-€400 per person.

What are the most popular casino games in Europe?

This very much depends on the country, as they can vary, but here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular casino game examples.

• Sweden: Online slots are the most popular, with titles like Starburst and Book of Dead being favoured by slots fans.

• France: Live roulette and blackjack are top choices for French gamblers.

• Germany: Skill-based games such as poker are well-received in Germany.

What is the largest casino in Europe?

The City of Dreams Mediterranean in Limassol, Cyprus, is the largest casino resort in Europe. Recently built in 2023, it boasts over 1,000 slot machines complete with 500 rooms, 8 bars and restaurants, and a large swimming pool - the biggest on the Island. The complex cost 637m euros to build in order to boost tourism post the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic

Which country has the strictest gambling laws?

Countries like Norway, Cyprus, and the United Kingdom have the strictest gambling regulations in place to protect players.

• Norway: Unlicensed online gambling is illegal, and the government blocks all unauthorised websites. Banks are also not allowed to process any transactions to or from unlicensed gambling platforms.

• Cyprus: In Cyprus, online casinos are completely banned, with the exception of state-controlled lotteries and authorised sports betting. Casino gambling in physical locations is limited to specific integrated casino resorts, such as the City of Dreams Mediterranean resort in Limassol.

• United Kingdom: In the United Kingdom, iGaming is regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, and they have a strong regulatory framework that ensures fair play and player protection, while still allowing a wide range of gambling activities. Gamblers can use a range of tools, like self-exclusion or reach out to organisations like GAMSTOP if needed.

In which EU countries can you still use a credit card to play?

Since April 2020, the UK has banned the use of credit cards for all forms of gambling, and Sweden is looking to follow the same process soon. Germany, Austria, Spain, and Italy still authorise the use of credit cards, but they all have their own regulations on their usage to protect players.

EU gambling hotspots

A lot of European countries have now become hubs for the online gaming industry due to their regulations, tax benefits, and industry infrastructure. Here are a few notable areas:

• Malta: The Malta Gaming Authority has strict regulatory standards to ensure fair play, player protection, and responsible gaming. Many top online casinos are licensed here due to the MGA’s reputation and robust regulations.

• Gibraltar: Gibraltar has long been a favourite for major casino operators. With their desirable tax rates and strong regulatory practices, it offers a secure environment for online gaming companies.

• Cyprus: Cyprus is emerging as a rising star in the industry with its tax incentives and EU membership. Due to this, it has become an attractive base for many iGaming operators.

Responsible gambling tools

Safety and responsible gambling aren’t just nice extras, they’re essential tools. A licensed online casino should offer practical tools to help you stay in control. Here’s what to look for:

🧠 Self-assessment	A quick checklist to help players reflect on their gambling habits.
⛔ Self-exclusion	Temporarily or permanently block yourself from accessing one or more casino sites.
💸 Loss & deposit limits	Set daily, weekly, or monthly caps on how much you can spend or deposit. (Mandatory in Sweden)
⏱️ Reality check	On-screen reminders showing how long you’ve been playing.
🔒 Session limit	Set a maximum playtime per session, day, or week.
💳 Payment restrictions	Some countries limit payment types (e.g. UK bans credit cards for gambling).

Legal gambling ages across Europe

Country	Legal age
Most European countries	18+
🇸🇪 Sweden	20+
🇧🇪 Belgium	21+
🇪🇪 Estonia	21+
🇺🇦 Ukraine	21+
🇬🇷 Greece	23+
🇵🇹 Portugal	25+

References

• Gambling in Europe stats and facts (Statista)

• Overview of European gambling market (EGBA)