Are online casino operators truly ready for the new licensing standards coming in 2026?

The year 2026 is shaping up to be a real breakpoint for the online casino world. Regulators across different regions are preparing to overhaul licensing rules, and these updates will be anything but superficial. 

So what does all of this mean in real life rather than on paper? For players, the shift promises clearer rules, more transparency, and better protection. For operators, however, it’s a major stress test — one that demands new technology, serious investments, and a thorough rethinking of internal processes. As the industry navigates these changes, 10 dollar minimum deposit casino with Slotozilla will highlight the top platforms once the regulatory landscape settles. The Slotozilla team will lay out the regulatory aspects of each gambling site, together with their game libraries and latest promotions. 

Much of the regulation technically came into force in 2024, but the provisions with the greatest operational impact won’t become mandatory until mid-2026, when KYB and AML updates begin applying across the EU without exception. According to Regulation (EU) 2024/1624, gambling activities and online casinos are specifically highlighted among sectors exposed to higher money-laundering risk, meaning operators will need to meet stricter compliance standards.

Context of the market and regulatory changes

To understand the scale of the future changes, it is necessary to look at the current state of the European online gambling market. For the last 15 years, it has moved from the fragmented space with single adjustable jurisdictions to a system where the majority of the countries apply complex licensing. It created a basis for the next stage, standardization and deepening of requirements.

Current state of licensing

Members of EGBA collectively keep 321 licenses in 21 European countries, serving 31.2 million clients. These operators make about a third of the European GGR of online gambling and conform to the highest regulatory standards. 

The expected changes till 2026

Next year will bring a new wave of requirements for the whole of Europe. In the first quarter of 2026, three key subjects are amplified: the opening of the competitive markets (Finland), the formalized standards of protection of players against EGBA, and preparation for the toughening of requirements of AML/KYB under the new body of the EU.

Five key standards to prepare for

Regulators of the different countries move in one direction, forming five universal requirements for operators. These standards will become obligatory in practically all jurisdictions, irrespective of local specifics. Understanding of each of them is crucial for planning the business for 2026 and further.

License rate and structure

The entrance cost on the market grows exponentially. Italy, with €7 million for the license, is a striking example of a new reality. Besides initial cost, operators face additional expenses: €750 thousand for a preliminary guarantee, €3.7 million for a final guarantee, plus €560 in ANAC (National anti-corruption directorate).

The following table compares the initial licensing costs, validity periods, and ongoing tax obligations for online gambling operators in five major European markets:

These varying regulatory frameworks reflect each country’s approach to balancing revenue generation with market accessibility for operators.

Increased AML/KYC requirements and financial monitoring

Times of formal document verifications have passed. Regulators demand continuous monitoring of transactions, the automated identification of suspicious activity, and regular reporting. New requirements include expanded checks of Know Your Business (KYB) for all partners and suppliers. 

Operators have to verify not only players, but also all business partners, including providers of games, payment service providers, and affiliates. This significantly increases the administrative burden. Small operators who lack the resources to implement automated monitoring systems face substantial risks of regulatory penalties and potential license revocation for non-compliance.

Technological readiness and cyber security

Licenses more often demand confirmation of the cybersecurity and technical reliability of platforms. In Italy, the new mode provides strict checks of IT safety and integration of games between operators and suppliers. 

Mobile games take the central place, by some estimates, up to 70% of the revenues of online casinos is the share of mobile devices. It means that operators have to provide encryption of data, protection against breaches, and instant response to safety incidents on all platforms.

Player protection and responsible gambling

Players’ protection comes to the forefront in all jurisdictions. Not just declarations are concrete requirements that operators are obliged to introduce technically and to show their efficiency to regulators.

EGBA developed the European standards of a responsible game, which include obligatory elements:

• Deposit limits and rates: Players have to have an opportunity to set day, week, and monthly limits
• Self-exception system: Obligatory integration into national registers (OASIS in Germany, CRUKS in the Netherlands, RGIAJ in Spain)
• Panic button: An instant 24-hour exception at the request of the player

Operators have to carry out risk assessment for each player and intervene actively at signs of problem behavior.

Commercial model, advertising restrictions, and transparency

Regulators try to find a balance between legal business and the protection of vulnerable groups, especially minors. Each country introduces unique restrictions, creating a difficult picture for the international operators.

Operators have to report on the conditions of bonuses, coefficients of payments (RTP), and risks openly. Affiliate programs also get under control, and the agencies advancing the unlicensed websites can be fined or reported to law enforcement agencies.

Analysis of the operators’ readiness

According to SoftSwiss analysis, the market expects new licensing regimes for online casinos to be fully implemented by 2027, meaning operators must have their preparations complete by 2026 to ensure smooth transitions and avoid disruptions. The gap between market leaders and lagging players increases every year, creating a risk of the latter being pushed out of regulated markets.

Average and local operators face significant difficulties. It is more challenging for them to finance expensive licenses (€7 million in Italy is a substantial sum for a company with a turnover of €10-20 million), to implement automated AML/KYC systems, and to support technical staff for compliance.

Practical steps for operators

Preparation by 2026 demands a system approach and an accurate road map. Operators who will begin to act now will get an essential advantage before competitors. There is a concrete action plan broken into the priority directions:

Check whether your processes AML/KYC, infrastructure, and reporting correspond to the current and future requirements. Reveal gaps before they are made by regulators. Involve external consultants for objective assessment: Internal teams often miss critical details.

Conclusions

2026 will become a valid transition point for the industry of online casinos. New standards of licensing are not a temporary phenomenon, but a long-term trend to a more mature, regulated, and safe market.

One of the leading authors at Slotozilla, Marie Toland, notes that it is obvious that full multi-licensing offers the best way for strengthening players’ protection, increasing tax revenues, and ensuring more strict regulatory control. Operators who perceive it as an opportunity, but not as an obstacle, will become leaders of the next decade.

FAQ

What markets will first implement new standards?

The Netherlands introduces the updated requirements from January 1, 2026, including an exit plan and risk analysis of WWFT. Italy already started the new mode with 9-year licenses for €7 million. 

Do all operators have to update their licenses?

Yes, in the majority of jurisdictions with expiring licenses. In the Netherlands, the first 5-year licenses expire in October 2026. 

How much does it cost to prepare for new requirements?

Depends on the size of the operator and the target markets. Only the license in Italy, €7 million plus guarantees. In Spain, €38 thousand plus capital requirements are €300 thousand. 

How will new standards influence players?

Players will receive the improved protection: strict verification of age, limits of deposits, systems of self-exclusion, transparency of conditions, and RTP.