Online casinos in Luxembourg operate under a complex legal framework established by the Law of 20 April 1977 on the operation of games of chance, which serves as the main gambling regulation in the country (1). The fundamental principle of Luxembourg's gambling law is prohibition, with Article 1 clearly stating that the operation of a business of games of chance is prohibited, based on the belief that gambling creates a danger of irrational and destructive behavior (1). However, this general prohibition includes specific exceptions that allow certain forms of gambling under strict regulatory oversight by the Ministry of Justice.
The regulatory landscape for online gambling in Luxembourg remains largely unregulated, with foreign online operators having relatively free access to the country's market (2). While land-based gambling is strictly controlled through the Ministry of Justice's licensing system, online casino operations face minimal regulatory barriers. The Ministry of Justice is responsible for issuing authorizations to private operators seeking to offer casino games, lotteries, and sports-betting products, but the online gambling sector operates in a more permissive environment compared to traditional brick-and-mortar establishments.
"Article 1 of the Gambling Law clearly states that the operation of a business of games of chance is prohibited. This principle of prohibition is based on the belief that gambling creates a danger of irrational and destructive behaviour."
Despite the restrictive nature of the 1977 Gambling Law, Luxembourg has developed a relatively tolerant approach toward online gambling activities, particularly for international operators serving Luxembourg residents. The country currently has only one physical casino in operation alongside the National Lottery, while online gambling platforms continue to serve the Luxembourg market without specific local licensing requirements (2). This regulatory gap has created a situation where Luxembourg residents can access international online casino platforms, though these operations exist in a legal gray area under current legislation.
Source:
https://www.bsp.lu/lu/publications/articles-books/thomson-reuters-practical-law-gaming-luxembourg-overview
https://www.gga.org.ge/en/world/40
Last updated: 26-07-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
