Luxembourg Weighs State Monopoly to Curb Rising Gambling Addiction
Luxembourg is reviewing plans to create a state-run monopoly for online gambling and sports betting. The move comes as the country’s gambling market continues to grow, with revenues expected to hit $447.8 million by 2025. At the same time, concerns over addiction have risen sharply in recent years.
Justice Minister Elisabeth Margue confirmed that the government is exploring a monopoly model for online gambling. Currently, no operators are based in Luxembourg, but residents can legally access platforms licensed by European regulators like the Malta Gaming Authority or Curaçao. These sites must follow strict rules on fairness, security, and responsible gaming, including self-exclusion tools and personalized betting limits.
The gambling market’s expansion has been notable. Casinos and casino games alone are projected to generate around $270 million in revenue. By 2026, the average revenue per user is forecast to reach about $478. Yet, alongside this growth, the number of people seeking help for gambling addiction has nearly tripled since 2020.
In response, the government has increased funding for addiction support. The budget for the Center for Excessive Behavior and Behavioral Addictions (ZEV) rose from €220,000 in 2020 to €560,000 in 2025. Legal experts also warn that any state monopoly must include strong player protections to comply with European case law.
Separately, reforms are underway to allow National Lottery terminals in cafés while banning other gambling machines. The changes aim to balance market growth with tighter controls on accessibility.
If approved, the monopoly would centralize online gambling under state control. The government must now weigh revenue opportunities against the need for stricter addiction safeguards. Meanwhile, the market’s expansion continues, with casinos remaining the dominant revenue source.
