In 2025, illegal online gambling aimed at players in the EU is projected to reach a staggering €91.6 billion, resulting in a loss of €22.9 billion in tax revenue for member states, according to the European Casino Association (ECA). These alarming figures were disclosed during a high-level roundtable in the European Parliament, organized by MEP Lukas Mandl, and are based on the ECA's annual research conducted by Gambling Compliance International (GCI). This year's report indicates a 14% rise in illegal gambling activities compared to 2024.
The ECA highlighted that illegal operators now dominate the online gambling market across the 27 EU nations, with at least 6,200 illegal companies currently in operation. Additionally, many European players are primarily exposed to advertising that promotes these illegal casinos instead of licensed operators.
Under EU law, gambling companies must obtain a license to operate in each member state, failing which they are considered illegal. Licensed businesses are obligated to comply with regulations concerning anti-money laundering, responsible gaming, and know-your-customer protocols, while illegal operators function without such constraints.
ECA Chair Erwin van Lambaart remarked, "Licensed casinos and their online businesses operate under strict rules and invest heavily in responsible gambling and anti-money-laundering measures. 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. This is why we need strong political will and strengthened public-private cooperation that is aligned with this reality. If we fail to act now, the illegal online market will continue to grow at the expense of players, public finances and legitimate businesses."
MEP Lukas Mandl added, "Illegal online gambling is not a niche issue; it is a serious cross-border threat that touches on consumer protection, organised crime and the integrity of our internal market. Europol is a crucial partner for Member States, but we must ensure that its mandate and resources allow it to fully support the fight against these illegitimate activities. I will bring these insights into our parliamentary work and encourage colleagues across parties to jointly address the negative effects of illegal gambling, from mental health issues to existential disasters for individuals and entire families, to better protect citizens and distinguish between criminal activities and those operators who play by the rules."
