The Best European Betting Sites for 2023

France

France has a long history of gambling. Like many of its European neighbours, gambling in France goes back to ancient times. The roulette wheel is a French invention and so was the addition of queens into a deck of playing cards. 

Online sports betting in France was a state-run monopoly for a long time, but pressure from the EU forced a revision to the laws. In 2010, France finally opened its doors to foreign-based operators. Betting exchanges remain illegal in the country despite opposition from major companies.

Recreational bettors are not required to pay tax on online winnings, however those who are classified as a professional gambler are subject to deductions.

Italy

The liberalisation of online gambling in Italy has been a gradual process, which was ignited in 2003 when a complaint was made against the Italian government on the grounds of infringement.

A state-run monopoly was restricting foreign operators from offering their services to Italian clients. In 2009, the law was changed and allowed foreign firms accept Italian players once they received a licence.

Like the UK, Italy has a passion for online gambling and it also has strict licencing. Companies must be able to display a positive two-year track record to secure an online betting licence from Italy’s Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM).

Germany

Online gambling in Germany was restricted to sports betting (legalised through the 2012 State Treaty on Gambling) until 1 July 2021, when the new State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (Glücksspielstaatsvertrag 2021 – GlüStV 2021) came into force.

The country’s overhauled gambling regulations paved the way for online casino and poker games to be offered alongside sports betting, but limitations remain.

Operators cannot offer betting markets for political events, binaries, player transfers, and more. There is a €1,000 per month deposit limit, and in-play betting options are limited to final result and next goalscorer markets.

Spain

A new law that regulates and licences betting sites in Spain came into effect in 2012. Since then, countless operators have been licenced, and online sports betting and gambling remains completely legal in the country.

Unlike many other countries across Europe, Spain doesn’t have a big tradition of gambling. Compared to countries like France and Italy, the amount of people who take part in online sports betting is low.

However, Spain is a very passionate sporting nation and has produced international stars in many high-profile sports. Football is especially fruitful for Spain as it boasts a successful national team, and La Liga is home to two of world’s top teams in Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Sweden

Sports betting is extremely popular in Sweden, and it is in principle completely legal. However, as with many other countries, in Sweden, operators must hold a special licence. Initially, the Swedish government only gave out a licence to a state-backed company.

The government appeared to be fighting a losing battle though as turnover at the state-backed operator has gone down in recent years, whilst internationally licenced firms have seen a revenue increase from citizens of the Scandinavian country.

Football is very popular in Sweden and this is boosted by the profile of world superstar and former Swedish International, Zlatan Ibrahimović. Other popular sports for betting in Sweden include handball, golf and ice hockey.

Greece

Online sports betting and gambling are legal and regulated in Greece. Both online and land-based operators are overseen by the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC).

There is no taxation for the first €100 of net profit of sports betting winnings, but there are three other tax thresholds (2.5% on the amount exceeding €100 up to €200; 5% on the amount exceeding €200 up to €500; and 7.5% on the amount exceeding €500).

The history of sport in Greece and its role in helping to form the biggest sporting event in the world, the Olympics, should not be underestimated. Now that the online sports betting market is open, many Greeks take advantage and bet on their favourite sports.

Denmark

Denmark ended Danske Spil’s gambling monopoly and opened its market to private operators on 1 January 2012.

The Danish gambling market is regulated by the Danish Gambling Authority (DGA), whose stringent approach with bookmakers who are not licenced has resulted in countless sites being blacklisted since the changes came into force a decade ago.

Denmark does not have a reputation for being a sporty nation, neither do Danes have a major history of gambling. However, more Danes than ever are betting on their favourite sports thanks to betting sites in Europe accepting their bets.

No Deposit

The clue is in the name with these bonuses. You don’t have to stake any of your own money to place a bet, you sign up, claim the offer and get a free bet to have fun with.

Matched Deposits

After you make your first deposit with a European bookmaker, they match the amount to give you more money to play with.

Risk-Free Bets

Many European betting sites also offer fantastic risk-free bets. All you have to do is sign up, claim the offer and make your bet. If you lose, your stake is refunded.