Oct 17, 2020
Expertises
A Q&A guide to gaming in Luxembourg.
The Q&A provides a high level overview of the legislative framework of gambling regulation; the regulatory authorities; gambling products; land-based gambling; regulation and licensing; online gambling; B2B and B2C operations; mobile gaming and interactive gambling; social gaming; blockchain technology; gambling debts; tax; advertising and developments and reform.
Legislative framework of gambling regulation
The Law dated 20 April 1977 on the operation of a business of "games of chance" (Gambling Law) is the main law regulating gambling in Luxembourg. 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 (Trib. Arr. Lux., 26 July 2000, Nationale Postcode Loterij, No. 10605). Therefore, the exceptions to the general prohibition (that is, the grant of authorisations to suppliers that fulfil certain conditions prescribed by law) are limited, to channel any desire to gamble.
To read more, follow the link to the complete Gaming in Luxembourg Guide, where you will find the answers to the following questions.
2. What is the legal definition of gambling in your jurisdiction and what falls within this definition?
3. What are the regulatory or governmental bodies that are responsible for supervising gambling?
4. What gambling products have been specifically identified by legislation, and what different requirements have been established for each?
5. What is the licensing regime (if any) for land-based gambling?
6. What are the limitations or requirements imposed on land-based gambling operators?
7. What is the licensing regime (if any) for online gambling?
8. What are the limitations or requirements imposed on online gambling operators?
9. Is there a distinction between the law applicable between B2B operations and B2C operations in online gambling?
10. What technical measures are in place (if any) to protect consumers from unlicensed operators, such as ISP blocking and payment blocking?
11. What differences (if any) are there between the regulation of mobile gambling and interactive gambling on television?
12. How is social gaming regulated in your jurisdiction?
13. To what extent is blockchain used in gambling in your jurisdiction? How is it regulated?
14. Are gambling debts enforceable in your jurisdiction?
15. What are the applicable tax regimes for land-based and online gambling?
16. To what extent is the advertising of gambling permitted in your jurisdiction? To the extent that advertising is permitted, how is it regulated?
17. Has the legal status of land-based and online gambling changed significantly in recent years, and if so how?
18. What, if any, are the likely short-term and long-term developments/legislative amendments concerning gambling in your jurisdiction? Are there any proposals for reform?
To compare answers across multiple jurisdictions, visit the Gaming Country Q&A Tool.
This Q&A is part of the Gaming Global Guide. The gaming global guide serves as a starting point for understanding the regulatory framework of land-based and online gaming.