The EUDI Wallet and its implications for the iGaming industry

2026-03-17

Reading time 3:31 min

In this article, digital identity platform Gataca explores how the European Union’s new eIDAS 2.0 framework and EUDI Wallet could transform identity verification, onboarding, and compliance processes for the iGaming sector across Europe.

The European Union has introduced a new digital identity framework that will reshape how online services verify users. Through the updated eIDAS 2.0 regulation, adopted in 2024, the EU introduced the European Digital Identity (EUDI) Wallet, a mobile application that will allow citizens, residents, and businesses to store and share digital credentials for secure identity verification and authentication across services.

Member states must make at least one wallet available to their citizens by the end of 2026. For the sector, the development is particularly relevant because certain regulated industries—including online gambling—will be required to accept European Digital Identity Wallets as a valid authentication method by the end of 2027.

A new framework for digital identity in Europe

The revised eIDAS regulation (Regulation (EU) 2024/1183) establishes a European Digital Identity Framework designed to enable secure and interoperable electronic identification across all EU member states.

At the center of it is the EUDI Wallet, which will allow users to store official credentials such as national IDs, driver’s licenses, proof of address, or verified attributes such as proof of age.

These credentials are digitally signed by trusted issuers—such as governments, financial institutions, or certified providers—and can be shared instantly with online services.

For users, this means identity verification can be completed in one click from the convenience of their phone, without repeatedly uploading documents or entering personal data on every platform. Once verified, credentials can be reused across any services that accept digital identity wallets, creating a portable and interoperable identity layer across the digital economy.

The wallet will be voluntary for citizens, but its acceptance will gradually become mandatory for certain services. Public sector websites will need to support it first, followed by regulated industries that rely on strong user authentication.

Why the EUDI Wallet matters for iGaming

Although gambling is not explicitly listed among the sectors mentioned in the regulation, the operational requirements of the industry place it within its scope.

Under Article 5f of the updated regulation, private companies that must perform strong user authentication for online identification will need to accept European Digital Identity Wallets as a login and identity verification method.

For many iGaming operators active in the European market, this means that EUDI Wallet authentication will need to be supported by 2027.

How digital identity wallets could change onboarding

Identity verification has traditionally been one of the most complex steps in the sector’s user journey. Conventional onboarding often involves document uploads, manual checks, and waiting periods that can delay account activation.

Digital identity wallets introduce a different approach. In this model:

A trusted authority issues a digitally signed credential to the user.
The user stores that credential in their digital identity wallet.
When registering with a platform, the user simply scans a QR code and shares the required attributes directly from the wallet.

Instead of uploading documents and waiting for verification, as identity verification can be confirmed cryptographically, players can authenticate themselves instantly.

Potential operational impacts for operators

Higher conversion and faster onboarding

Reusable verified credentials allow players to complete registration in a single tap. By removing the need for document uploads and manual verification, operators can reduce onboarding friction and improve conversion rates.

Reduced fraud and identity abuse

Cryptographically signed credentials issued by trusted authorities can help prevent the use of fake or synthetic identities. Combined with biometric authentication, digital identity wallets may also reduce risks such as account takeovers, multi-accounting, bonus abuse, payment fraud, or underage gambling at every interaction.

Automated compliance and lower operational costs

Automated identity verification through reusable digital IDs reduce the volume of manual KYC checks and simplify regulatory reporting, lowering operational costs. Also the use of standardized eID verification may also facilitate cross-border compliance processes.

Intersections with existing regulatory frameworks

The introduction of the EUDI Wallet does not replace existing compliance obligations. Instead, it complements several regulatory frameworks already relevant to platforms.

For example, recent EU Anti-Money Laundering regulations recognize electronic identification methods compliant with eIDAS as legitimate tools for customer due diligence. Similarly, the wallet architecture aligns with GDPR principles, including data minimization and explicit user consent. Players can share only the attributes required for a particular service—such as confirmation that they are over 18—without exposing additional personal information.

National gambling laws will still apply, and operators will need to ensure wallet-based verification meets the licensing requirements of each jurisdiction.

Preparing for the transition

The rollout of the EUDI Wallet is already underway. In fact, several countries have already launched early implementations or beta versions, including France (France Identité), Italy (IT Wallet through the IO app) or Austria (eAusweise).

Therefore, preparation cannot wait until the 2027 deadline. Platforms operating in Europe should begin evaluating how this new authentication method will affect their onboarding, identity verification, and compliance workflows and can easily start integrating with digital identity platforms like Gataca.

Beyond regulatory readiness, early adoption may also allow platforms to benefit sooner from faster onboarding, reduced fraud risks, and more streamlined compliance processes.

Want to learn more?

Download Gataca’s report in collaboration with Intellium Law on the EUDI Wallet and its impact on the iGaming sector.