New Study Estimates Illegal Online Gambling Holds 72% of EU Market
A new report commissioned by the Campaign for Fairer Gambling estimates that unregulated operators generated €91.6 billion in gross gambling revenue across the European Union in 2025.
The analysis, conducted by Gaming Compliance International (GCI), suggests illegal platforms accounted for 72% of the EU’s €128 billion online gambling market, compared with €36.5 billion generated by licensed operators.
However, other studies provide significantly lower estimates. Research by Regulus Partners and Helios places the illegal market at €12 billion, or 25%, while H2 Gambling Capital estimates approximately €18 billion, or 27%.
The report argues that stronger enforcement should target not only illegal gambling websites but also advertising platforms, affiliates, payment providers, and technology companies supporting their operations.
The Campaign for Fairer Gambling also supports higher taxation of licensed operators alongside stronger enforcement.
Industry representatives disagree, warning that additional taxes could make regulated gambling less competitive.
Borut Petek, Chief Global Affairs Officer at Super Technologies and EGBA board member, commented:
Higher taxation of licensed operators will only make the problem worse.
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) instead supports stronger cooperation between regulators and action against platforms and payment providers that help illegal operators reach players.
The report has renewed discussions about coordinated enforcement across European gambling markets.
