Illegal Gambling Market in the EU Reaches €91.6 Billion as Tax Losses Near €23 Billion

More than 6,200 unlicensed operators are now targeting European players

Illegal online gambling aimed at consumers across the European Union generated an estimated €91.6 billion in 2025, according to new figures presented at the European Parliament, adding fresh pressure on regulators struggling to keep pace with cross-border operators.

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The data, published by the European Casino Association (ECA) and compiled by Gambling Compliance International, suggest the unlicensed market expanded by roughly 14% over the past year. The financial impact extends beyond the gambling industry itself. The ECA estimates EU governments missed out on €22.9 billion in tax revenue that would otherwise have been collected through licensed operators.

The report also points to the scale of the challenge. More than 6,200 illegal gambling websites and operators are currently targeting customers across the EU, despite national licensing systems designed to restrict access to regulated platforms.

Brussels turns its attention to cross-border enforcement

The findings were presented during a roundtable at the European Parliament hosted by Member of the European Parliament Lukas Mandl, bringing together officials from the European Commission, the Anti-Money Laundering Authority, Eurojust, Europol oversight bodies, national gambling regulators and industry representatives.

Discussions focused on a problem that individual countries have struggled to tackle on their own. Illegal gambling websites often operate across several jurisdictions at once, making enforcement significantly more complicated than dealing with domestic operators.

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The meeting also came as the European Commission examines changes to Europol’s mandate, with broader efforts underway to strengthen the agency’s ability to investigate cross-border organised crime.

Industry warns illegal market is gaining ground

The European Casino Association argued that illegal gambling has moved beyond being a niche issue and now represents a substantial share of Europe’s online gambling activity. It warned that unlicensed operators continue to attract players without complying with consumer protection rules, responsible gambling requirements or regulatory oversight.

The association also linked the growth of the illegal market to wider financial crime risks, noting that stronger cooperation between gambling regulators, financial intelligence units and EU enforcement agencies will be needed if authorities hope to slow its expansion.

Its message to policymakers was straightforward: fragmented national action is no longer enough for a market that increasingly operates without regard for borders.

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Source: igamingexpress.com