For those wondering if gambling is legal in Luxembourg, the short answer is no—except when a particular activity is explicitly permitted by law.
In accordance with Article 1 of the Luxembourg Gambling Law, regulating the gaming sector within Luxembourg, all gambling is outlawed in all its forms. Exceptions for particular locations and lines of the gambling industry have since been made under following legislation. Enthusiasts interested in learning about internationally based platforms will venture to different Unibet experiences in order to determine accessible features and entertainment content beyond Luxembourg.
One national lottery network and one casino served the country within its borders in Luxembourg. With the gambling industry always on the rise, the country has been under increasing interest to develop there. In fact, the government is attempting to legalize several new casinos. The fact that slot machines have generated revenues of €38 million in land-based casinos in a mere one year clearly reflects the country's interest in legalizing online gambling. While internet gambling is illegal in Luxembourg at present, the country has a highly developed gambling industry which is third most profitable in the EU, with the UK in fourth position.
Gambling Law for Luxembourg Casinos
The Gambling Law prohibits all gambling on the grounds that it can lead to irrational and unsafe behavior. There are, however, specific acts of legislation which apply to aspects of the gambling industry.
At the time of going to press, there were merely two serious operators in Luxembourg:
- Oeuvre Nationale de Secours Grande-Duchesse Charlotte (National Relief Fund of Grand Duchess Charlotte)
- Casino 2000 in the holiday resort town of Mondorf-les-Bains
Casino 2000 started massive training of their staff to identify signs of gaming addiction. Today, the European Union regards such a program as one of the best available.
Who Issues Gambling Licenses to Private Operators in Luxembourg?
The Ministry of Justice governs and issues operating licenses for casino operators, lotteries, and sports betting. The Council of Elders (Collège des Bourgmestre et Echevins) is the issuing body for operating licenses in the event where the total sum of lottery tickets sold does not exceed €12,500.
The Grand Duchess Charlotte National Relief Fund is in charge of the National Lottery. This non-profit organization is accountable to the Prime Minister and the Minister of State, and all the National Lottery revenues go to charitable causes.
Licensing of Casinos and Gambling in Luxembourg
All limited-term licenses are issued for gambling by the issuing authority. The Ministry of Justice and local authorities are the two main licensing agencies.
What Does a License Entail?
A gambling license stipulates:
- Taxation rates
- Operating hours
- Access conditions to the gambling establishment
- A list of approved games and operator supervision
In the event that an operator fails to comply with any of the license conditions, the license can be revoked.
Furthermore, an application for a license should include:
- The financial position of the operator
- General information about the operator that is pertinent
- A description of the proposed games and why they are suitable for the community
Licensed Gambling Forms in Luxembourg
Due to stringent local laws, only some games can be played:
- Poker
- Low-stake poker
- Stud poker
- Texas Hold'em poker
- Omaha poker
Only casinos are licensed to offer poker. Stakes for tournaments of organized poker must be between €20 and €50 per player.
Betting (Except Sports Betting)
All forms of betting except for lotteries and sports betting are prohibited.
Sports Betting
Sports betting is not prohibited.
The only casino games available are those of Mondorf Casino 2000, the only authorized casino:
- Roulette
- English roulette
- American roulette
- Trente-et-quarante
- Blackjack
- Punto Banco
- Craps
- Stud poker
- Table games, i.e., several types of baccarat
Slot Machines and Other Gaming Machines
Slots and other gaming machines are reserved for use in casinos. The public playing of slots in bars or on public roads is forbidden.
Bingo
Bingo falls under the same regime as lotteries.
Lottery
Lotteries in Luxembourg are all games of chance whose reward is granted randomly.
Lotteries are addressed primarily by the National Lottery or other operators, according to the new Article 2 of the Gambling Law. Lotteries organized for charitable, scientific, religious, educational, artistic, social, tourism, or sporting purposes only are licensed.
Online Gambling in Luxembourg Casinos
Regarding online gambling laws, there is no strict legal distinction between land gambling and online gambling.
Luxembourg players would be expected to follow the same principles if they gamble online as would be followed in an onshore casino. In practice, however, there is only one legally licensed gambling brand in Luxembourg, the National Lottery. The National Fund says that players are allowed to participate in all types of the lottery, including the online versions. This implies that the iGaming sector is somewhat a state monopoly, but not in line with EU policy.
There is no proposal for legislation against online gambling known. Luxembourg has received no complaint on this, and the European Commission has no grounds to start an investigation.
Luxembourg Casinos – Your Best Bet
For anyone who wants to try it out at an online casino in Luxembourg, take a look over our directory of casinos to find your perfect fit. And always keep in mind — play responsibly and safely, no matter which online casino you choose!