Legislation

EU Court Ruling Defines Where Online Gambling Legally Happens

Thursday 22 de January 2026 / 12:00

⏱ 1 min read

(Netherlands).- The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has issued a key ruling in the Wunner case (C-77/24), bringing clarity for both players and operators.

EU Court Ruling Defines Where Online Gambling Legally Happens

The Court decided that losses from illegal online gambling must be judged under the law of the player’s country of residence. In other words, online gambling is considered to take place where the player lives, not where the operator, servers, or license are located.

The ruling also makes clear that company directors can be held personally responsible if their actions directly cause harm, ensuring accountability in illegal gambling operations.

“The Court has confirmed that Member States can protect their citizens from illegal gambling. By linking liability to the player’s residence, the Wunner case strengthens national frameworks and prevents misuse of EU law,” said Piet Van Baeveghem, Secretary General of The European Lotteries.

“For the first time, the Court defined where online gambling legally occurs – at the consumer’s location, where harm is suffered. This closes a major legal gap and gives courts a clear basis to tackle illegal cross-border gambling,” added Philippe P. Vlaemminck, Legal Adviser to The European Lotteries.

This decision is seen as a significant step forward for legal certainty, player protection, and responsible market practices across the EU.

Categoría:Legislation

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País: Netherlands

Región: EMEA