There is not any sector-specific EU laws in the area of gambling services. EU countries are sovereign in the way they organise their gambling solutions, provided that they comply with the basic freedoms established under the Treaty on the performance of the European Union (TFEU), as interpreted by the Court of Justice of the EU. The freedom to provide services or to start a company in another EU nation is very relevant here.

Many EU countries allow at least a few games of chance to be provided on the internet. Some states allow all games, while others only allow particular kinds like betting, casino or poker games. In certain European authorities, monopolistic regimes offering online gambling services are established. These are conducted by a state-controlled public operator or by a private operator on the grounds of a private right. However, an increasing number of EU nations have established licensing systems that allow more than 1 operator to offer services on the industry. Under EU legislation, no particular system is favoured over others.