The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has submitted a formal proposal to the European Commission calling for a unified online gambling licensing framework across all EU member states. The proposal, delivered in January 2026, argues that the current fragmented system — where operators must obtain separate licenses in each jurisdiction — creates significant administrative burden and stifles competition.
The EGBA's framework would establish a mutual recognition principle, allowing an operator licensed in one member state to offer services throughout the EU under a passporting mechanism similar to that used in financial services.
"The current patchwork of national licenses is inefficient for operators, costly for regulators, and confusing for consumers," said Maarten Haijer, EGBA Secretary General. "A unified approach would increase consumer protection while reducing barriers to market entry."
The proposal has been met with cautious support from several national regulators, though Germany's GGL and Spain's DGOJ have expressed reservations about ceding sovereign authority over gambling regulation.
Industry analysts expect lengthy negotiations before any framework reaches formal legislative status, but the initiative marks the most significant push toward EU-wide gambling harmonization in over a decade.
Source: EGBA Press Release
Alex Biliy
Senior Editor
Member of the iGaming Pulse editorial team. Covering industry news, analysis, and B2B developments across the global iGaming sector.
Comments (2)
Overdue reform. The fragmentation costs operators millions annually.
Good intent but the political headwinds are enormous. Germany will never agree.
