Is Europe a Good Place for Casino Tourism? A Comprehensive Guide to the Continent's Gaming Scene

 When one thinks of global casino destinations, Las Vegas often springs to mind. However, across the Atlantic, Europe carries one of the most luxurious gambling atmospheres in the whole world . From the sun-drenched shores of the Canary Islands to the historic elegance of Monte Carlo and the vibrant energy of London, Europe offers a casino experience that is as diverse as its cultures.

But is Europe truly a good place for casino tourism? The answer is a resounding yes. The continent seamlessly blends centuries-old tradition with modern luxury, attracting millions of visitors annually. This article explores the multifaceted European casino landscape, examining its economic impact, iconic destinations, regulatory environment, and future potential.

The Economic Powerhouse of European Casinos

The casino industry is a significant contributor to the European economy. The market is projected to reach a revenue of US$164.83 billion, proving to be a major economic driver . This financial impact is felt across several key areas:

1. Tourism and Hospitality Growth

Casino tourism is a major catalyst for local economies. Cities like London, Prague, and Barcelona have become famous not just for their historical and cultural sites, but also for their electrifying casino atmospheres that rival even Las Vegas .

International visitors specifically travel to engage in world-class gaming experiences. A 2022 study by the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) revealed that international tourists who visited a casino during their trip spent 28% more than other tourists. In the luxury travel sector, this figure was even higher, at an average of 41% . This surge in spending benefits a wide range of businesses, including:

Hotels: From the iconic Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo to the Grand Resort & Casino Bad Ragaz in Switzerland .

Restaurants: Fine dining establishments like the Heliot Steak House at London's Hippodrome Casino and Paco Roncero Restaurant in Madrid thrive on casino-driven clientele .

Entertainment and Retail: Integrated resorts offer shopping, spas, and live shows, increasing tourist dwell time and overall spend .

2. Massive Employment Opportunities

Europe boasts the highest number of gambling establishments in the world. According to Statista, out of approximately 172,000 gambling properties globally, around 128,000 are located in Europe . This concentration creates substantial employment. A single large casino is a major employer, requiring staff for gaming operations, security, events management, and hotel services. For instance, PitchBook estimates that London's Hippodrome Casino alone has approximately 740 employees .

3. Significant Tax Revenue

Casinos generate substantial tax income for European governments. Tax structures vary widely, reflecting different economic and cultural priorities :

Country Online Casino Tax Rate Notes

United Kingdom 21% of GGR Operators pay a Gross Gaming Duty (GPD) of 15% on profits; online operators pay 21% Remote Gaming Duty (RGD) 

France 55.6% effective tax Online operators pay 55% of GGR on sports betting and 83.5% on poker 

Germany 5.3% turnover tax In 2024, Germany's gambling tax revenues were approximately US$2.99 billion 

Italy 25% of GGR Government's 2024 framework features US$7.49 million online license fees and nine-year concessions 

Spain 20% of GGR Levied US$69.98 million in 2024 fines for advertising infractions 

Netherlands 30.5% of GGR Rising to 37.8% by 2026 

Sweden 22% of GGR Strict regulatory environment 

Denmark 28% of GGR Well-regulated market 

In the UK, average gaming tax receipts in 2024 amounted to nearly £3.6 billion, demonstrating the immense financial contribution of regulated gambling to public services .

Europe's Most Iconic Casino Destinations

Europe is home to some of the world's most famous and prestigious casinos, each offering a unique atmosphere.

1. Monte Carlo, Monaco: The Epitome of Luxury

The Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, operator of the iconic Casino de Monte-Carlo, continues to set the standard for luxury. In 2025, it attracted a diverse clientele through numerous events, including a spectacular drone show to celebrate a new game premiere. This focus on exclusive experiences led to a 22% increase in carded customers . Monte Carlo caters to a high-end demographic, offering an unparalleled blend of glamour, history, and sophisticated gaming .

2. London, United Kingdom: A Hub of Tradition and Innovation

London possesses a sizable and heavily regulated casino industry . The Hippodrome Casino is a standout, reaffirming its position as the UK's leading gaming and entertainment destination. In 2025, it became the first casino in Great Britain to open an in-venue sportsbook, a £1.5m collaboration with Paddy Power. It also expanded its slot provision, now offering eighty of the latest machines across its five gaming floors, alongside the UK's busiest poker room .

Another landmark, The Victoria on Edgware Road, completed a £15m renovation—the single biggest investment Grosvenor Casinos has ever made—celebrating its gaming history with a redesigned layout, more slot machines, and a complete restaurant overhaul .

3. The Canary Islands, Spain: Europe's Emerging Gaming Paradise

Spain is redefining casino travel by transforming the Canary Islands into a luxurious and vibrant gaming haven . With year-round sunshine and a strategic location, the islands offer a unique blend of beach relaxation and casino entertainment. Key hotspots include:

Tenerife: Home to the luxurious Casino Playa de Las Américas.

Gran Canaria: Features the historic Las Palmas Casino and the modern Gran Canaria Casino.

Lanzarote: The modern Lanzarote Casino in Puerto del Carmen offers stunning sea views .

The islands are also seeing a rise in digital integration, with platforms like 4rabet allowing tourists to enjoy live casino streaming and virtual games from their resorts .

4. Other Notable European Destinations

Casinos Austria: Operates 12 iconic casinos across Austria, from Vienna to Salzburg, recognized for leadership in responsible gaming and offering a world-class mix of live games .

Regency Casino Thessaloniki, Greece: Unveiled "The Piazza Project," a groundbreaking gaming complex uniting three leading slot machine manufacturers in a unique open-air venue. Its 3-day launch attracted 12,000 people .

City of Dreams Mediterranean, Cyprus: Continues to elevate its status as a sophisticated destination, expanding its gaming portfolio and adding luxury amenities like a 5,000 sq. m Adventure Park .

Casino di Campione, Italy: One of Europe's largest land-based casinos, it hosted the first-ever PokerStars Italian Poker Challenge, attracting players from across the continent .

Prague and Bratislava: These cities offer a vibrant and emerging casino scene, though at a much smaller scale than Western European hubs .

Market Trends and the Future of Casinos in Europe

The European casino market is dynamic and evolving, shaped by several key trends.

Market Size and Growth Projections

Italy captured 42.20% of 2025 revenue in the Europe casino gambling market, anchored by heritage venues in Venice, San Remo, and Campione .

Mordor Intelligence suggests that between 2025 and 2030, the Europe Casino Gambling Market will register a CAGR greater than 5% .

Slots maintain dominance with a 61.55% market share in 2025, though skill-based slots are the fastest-growing segment at a projected 9.12% CAGR, as operators seek to attract Gen-Z players .

Key Drivers of Growth

Post-COVID Tourist Rebound: European overnight stays reached 2.92 billion in 2023, surpassing 2019 levels. This resurgence benefits table-game revenue, as international visitors gravitate toward premium live play .

Experiential Entertainment Demand: Consumers increasingly prefer integrated resorts that combine gaming, retail, and live entertainment. Hard Rock's €1.5 billion Athens integrated resort, for instance, dedicates only 30% of its floor area to casino operations .

Technological Advancements: Cashless payment systems, AI-driven game recommendations, and smart tourism strategies are enhancing customer engagement and operational efficiency .

Digital Integration: The rise of online platforms complements land-based casinos, allowing tourists to enjoy games from anywhere .

Regulatory Challenges

Despite its strengths, the European casino sector faces challenges:

Rising Gambling Taxes: Countries like France and the UK are increasing tax burdens, which squeezes operator margins .

Stricter Regulations: The EU's proposed Digital Fairness Act (DFA) targets "addictive design" and "dark patterns," aiming to protect consumers but potentially reshaping how gambling services engage with users .

Tough AML and Affordability Checks: These measures, particularly in the UK and Netherlands, can slow high-roller volumes .

Labor Shortages: A dependency on cross-border workers for roles like multilingual croupiers is inflating operational costs .

Conclusion: A World-Class Destination with a Bright Future

Europe is unequivocally a good place for casino tourism. It offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from the historic glamour of Monte Carlo and the innovative energy of London to the sun-soaked, digitally integrated resorts of the Canary Islands. The industry is a major economic contributor, generating billions in tax revenue, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs, and driving tourism growth across the continent .

While the market faces regulatory headwinds and increasing competition from online platforms, its future remains bright. The shift toward integrated resort models, the adoption of cutting-edge technology, and the enduring appeal of European travel destinations position the continent's casino sector for continued growth .

For the discerning traveler seeking a blend of culture, luxury, and world-class entertainment, Europe's casinos offer an experience that is truly unmatched.