The European Casino Association (ECA) reported that the illegal online gambling market targeting EU consumers reached €91.6bn in 2025. These figures were presented during a roundtable discussion on unlicensed gambling held at the European Parliament.
The new data indicates a 14% increase from the €80bn estimate recorded in 2024. According to the annual study conducted by Gambling Compliance International (GCI), unlicensed operators now generate the majority of online gambling revenue across the EU-27. The report identifies more than 6,200 illegal operators actively targeting European consumers, with most online content promoting these unregulated services.
The ECA estimates that EU member states lost approximately €22.9bn in tax revenue last year due to wagers shifting to the unregulated sector. This trend mirrors findings in other regions, such as a recent UK Betting and Gaming Council study showing illegal operators accounting for nearly half of all gambling advertising spend in the United Kingdom.
Market Growth and Regulatory Response
ECA chair Erwin van Lambaart described the situation as a fast-growing cross-border problem that undermines trust in the regulated market. "Licensed casinos and their online businesses operate under strict rules and invest heavily in responsible gambling and anti-money-laundering measures," van Lambaart said. "Yet illegal operators, often based outside the EU, can reach European consumers at the click of a button, without safeguards, without oversight and without contributing to our communities." The roundtable, hosted by MEP Lukas Mandl, included representatives from the European Commission, AMLA, Eurojust, and national regulators discussing enforcement strategies under the Chatham House Rule.