Regulation and Licensing

The prohibition of issuing licenses for Monaco online casinos is regulated by the Service de Contrôle des Jeux (Gambling Authority) – Law No. 1103. The Commission operates under the Ministry of Finance and Economics.

Resources function within cross-licensing agreements, allowing international providers to participate in the virtual gambling market.

The Gambling Commission is made up of a chief director, a deputy director, and a team of inspectors. Together, they possess the power to:

• Monitor the operation of gambling establishments;

• Initiate investigations into violations;

• Inspect gambling operations;

• Restrict access to virtual gambling houses for banned individuals;

• Ensure proper conditions for games.

If fraud, violations, or terrorism cases are discovered, inspectors file complaints with the prosecutor or act on their behalf

A commission created by the Ministry of Finance and Economics is responsible for overseeing gambling establishments. The chairman and team monitor various aspects, including how virtual casinos operate, the information shared with users, and the regulations governing the games.

The Minister of the Principality issues a decree that outlines the composition of the commission, the process for appointing its members, and the procedures it will follow.

Commission members are responsible for:

• Failure to adhere to the rules for the operation of gambling houses;

• Inadequate control over game rules and payouts;

• Allowing access to virtual resources to individuals listed in the self-exclusion list.

Violations are punished under the Administrative and Criminal Codes of the Principality.

Penalties include imprisonment from six months to three years and fines for:

• The operation of an illegal association of players;

• The use of any system or means that distorts the course and outcome of games.

Online bingo, sports betting, and lotteries are not legislatively regulated.

In order to oversee the functioning of online casinos within the country, guarantee adherence to legal standards, and detect instances of fraud, the Department of Government Communications (Direction de la Communication) was created. This department operates under the authority of the Minister.

The role of the department:

• Define the communication strategy;

• Develop and prepare messages for online casino users, analyze documents and recommendations;

• Handle government communication with the media;

• Conduct public events;

• Foster external partnerships;

• Develop and produce specialized communication software for the government.

Monaco’s legislation prohibits four categories of people from visiting virtual gambling establishments:

• Native residents of the Principality of Monaco;

• Children under 18 years of age;

• Clergy members;

• Military personnel and sailors.

Failure to comply with the law results in an administrative fine or criminal liability.

Customer Support and Contacts for Problem Gamblers and Their Families

Support can be sought from the regulatory body that issued the online casino license.

In Monaco, players do not have any legal protections outlined in legislation. Nonetheless, it is still possible to make inquiries and put forward suggestions.

In the principality, there is currently no official blacklist for online casinos. However, self-exclusion measures are in place for patrons of physical gambling venues. Representatives from Monaco’s administrative authority add players to the self-exclusion list, which can last anywhere from one month to a year.

It is worth mentioning that Monaco has established a robust framework for monitoring and regulating online casinos, which guarantees transparency and security in gaming. The Gambling Commission oversees the operation of these digital platforms while also performing inspections to ensure adherence to legal standards. This proactive approach significantly minimizes the chances of fraud and other illicit activities within the online space.

Furthermore, Monaco has an active self-exclusion system for individuals prone to gambling addiction.

While there aren’t specific laws at the national level aimed at protecting players from gambling addiction, some measures exist to restrict casino access for those who need it. One important tool in this regard is the self-exclusion list, which helps prevent adverse effects on individuals whose gambling habits could negatively impact their financial and mental health.

Looking at international cooperation, Monaco engages with various jurisdictions to enable foreign operators to secure licenses for operating in the Principality. Nevertheless, every licensed online casino is required to meet strict standards of security and reliability, ensuring that users receive the utmost protection.

Monaco's legislative and regulatory institutions have established a thorough framework that maintains the stability and transparency of the gambling industry while safeguarding the interests of both players and the state.