Europe’s gambling industry faces a new compliance reality.
The European gambling industry is entering a period of heightened regulatory complexity following the implementation of the EU Accessibility Act and the Artificial Intelligence Act. These frameworks introduce structural obligations that directly affect how online gambling platforms are designed, operated, and governed across regulated markets.
While the Digital Operational Resilience Act primarily targets the financial sector, the combined impact of accessibility and AI regulation presents immediate challenges for gambling operators, software developers, and service providers. Accessibility, artificial intelligence, data protection, and operational continuity must now be addressed simultaneously within a single compliance framework.
The EU Accessibility Act aims to ensure that digital services are usable by people with disabilities, requiring platforms to meet recognised accessibility standards. Although gambling is not explicitly named, many online gambling services fall within its scope. This is particularly significant in jurisdictions such as Italy, where new licensing regimes may classify updated platforms as new services, triggering immediate accessibility obligations.
At the same time, the AI Act introduces a risk-based regulatory approach to artificial intelligence. Gambling platforms widely use AI for fraud prevention, behavioural monitoring, and responsible gambling tools. Many of these applications may fall into higher-risk categories, requiring extensive documentation, transparency measures, and ongoing risk management.
Compliance challenges are compounded by data protection requirements under the GDPR. Operators must ensure transparency in algorithmic decision-making, manage sensitive personal data responsibly, and address potential algorithmic bias that could lead to discriminatory outcomes.
These regulatory developments mark a shift from incremental compliance to structural transformation. Accessibility and AI governance are no longer optional enhancements but central components of platform strategy. Operators that approach these obligations proactively may not only reduce regulatory risk but also strengthen user trust and long-term competitiveness in Europe’s evolving gambling landscape.
