Research by the European Casino Association (ECA) shows that illegal online gambling operators now account for 71 per cent of the European Union’s online gambling market.
The study conducted by Yield Sec shows that illegal online gambling providers generated an estimated €80.6 billion in gross gaming revenue in 2024, more than double the legal market’s €33.6 billion.
This is estimated to have diverted more than €20 billion in tax revenue away from European economies, assuming an EU-wide online gaming tax rate of 25 per cent.
The study identified more than 6,200 illegal gambling operators actively targeting EU consumers online, with 81 million Europeans exposed to or interacting with illegal gambling services.
It also reveals how unlicenced operators exploit online advertising channels to reach vulnerable consumers, such as self-excluded and underage users.
“These findings confirm what the ECA has warned about for years: illegal online gambling is not a marginal issue; it is an economic and societal threat. Every euro lost to criminal operators is a euro stolen from European citizens, from legitimate and licenced businesses, and from our communities,” said Erwin van Lambaart, chairman of the European Casino Association.
“As ECA, we remain committed to working with European and national authorities to protect consumers, tackle such criminal activities, uphold our industry’s integrity, and ensure that the benefits of a well-regulated industry are not undermined by illegal operators.”
Download report: Illegal online gambling in the EU (PDF)