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Luxembourg: Why there are no "local online licenses" and how to live in this model
Luxembourg is a rare example of an EU country where there is no open private licensing of online casinos and private online bookmakers. The legal basis is simple: there is a general ban on the operation of games of chance and sports bets, and everything permissible is formalized as point exceptions. As a result, the "white perimeter" is narrow: one land-based casino (Casino 2000) and Loterie Nationale (lotteries, PMUs and online sports betting on the LoterieSport platform). Everything else online is not under a local license.
Legal logic: "prohibited unless permitted"
The Basic Law (20 April 1977) establishes a presumption of prohibition against the organisation and exploitation of gambling and betting.
Any legal activity is possible only with a special permit/regulation. Mass issuance of private online licenses is not provided.
The practical result is a minimum circle of operators, each of which works according to detailed rules.
What is considered a "local license" - and what is not
There is no private mode. An lu operator can apply for and obtain an online casino/betting site license.
There is:- Casino 2000 is the only offline casino site (Mondorf-les-Bains).
- Loterie Nationale - lotteries, scratch games, PMUs and online sports betting (LoterieSport).
- Conclusion: "local licenses" in the usual market sense (as in Belgium or Malta) are not issued.
What it means for players
White Way online: Loterie Nationale and LoterieSport's official website for sports betting.
Offline Casino: Casino 2000 only.
Gray alternatives: international sites and applications without a Luxembourg license. Risks - lack of local protection, controversial payments, non-obvious bonus conditions, weak Responsible Gaming tools.
What it means for business
There is no door for private online. Open. lu-online casino/bookmaker impossible: legal corridor closed.
Offline project: de facto "one position" already taken (Casino 2000).
Partnerships: B2B videos with a state operator (content, technical services) are possible, but not an independent online brand with a local license.
Payments, KYC and Liability
In the white perimeter - hard KYC, age thresholds, restrained promos, understandable limits and self-exclusion.
In the gray zone - alternative processing, possible delays/frosts, unclear processing of personal data.
Why the model is so arranged
Small market and emphasis on public lottery mission.
Risk control: it is easier to supervise one casino and a state operator than dozens of private sites.
Resort identity: the casino is built into the spa ecosystem of Mondorf-les-Bains, and excitement does not turn into an industrial driver.
"Gray market": how to recognize it and what to avoid
Signs of an illegal site for LU: vague "Euro license," no connection with Loterie Nationale, aggressive bonuses with multi-page wagering, frequent change of domains/mirrors, unknown legal entity and contacts.
Risks: there is no local jurisdiction for disputes, "small print rules," payment freezes, weak data protection are possible.
Frequent questions
Can I legally put online at a private brand?
In Luxembourg, no. Online betting is legal via LoterieSport.
And online casinos?
There are no private online casinos with a local license. Any sites offering slots/roulette online operate outside of local permission.
Where to play offline?
The only casino in the country is Casino 2000 (Mondorf-les-Bains).
How to understand that the site is legal?
Check communication with Loterie Nationale and transparent legal sections (terms, Responsible Gaming, contacts).
Practical recommendations to the player
1. Online - Loterie Nationale/LoterieSport only.
2. Set limits and use pauses. Even in the white perimeter, this is the best hygiene.
3. Do not chase "generous" bonuses of gray sites. Study the conditions first; if confused - refuse.
4. Do not use credits or questionable payments. At the first sign of a problem, stop and request help.
Looking ahead
Until 2030, the status quo is expected to remain: a narrow circle of permitted operators, gradual digitalization of state lottery services, informing about the dangers of "gray" sites. If changes appear, then in the plane of protection procedures (KYC, data, RG), and not extensions of private online licenses.
The formula is simple: Luxembourg has no local private online licenses. White Perimeter - Casino 2000 offline and Loterie Nationale/LoterieSport online. For the player, this means less choice but more predictability and protection; for business - a closed door for private online casinos/bookmakers and a focus on partnerships with a state operator or resort service.