EU Illegal Gambling Market Reaches €91.6 Billion

The illegal online gambling market targeting EU consumers surged to €91.6 billion in 2025. The European Casino Association (ECA) is sounding the alarm. The organization is calling for a significant strengthening of Europol's powers to curb this growing threat. The ECA sees it as a problem not only for finances but also for player protection. National regulatory authorities alone can do little to combat it.

These alarming figures were presented at a roundtable discussion in the European Parliament. It became clear that the fight against illegal gambling is intensifying. States are losing billions in tax revenue. Players are put at risk when they land on unregulated sites.

Numbers and facts

The value of the illegal online gambling market in the EU reached an estimated €91.6 billion in 2025. This represents an increase of approximately 14 percent compared to the previous year. These new figures, published by Gambling Compliance International on behalf of the ECA, surpassed the previously anticipated €80 billion for 2024. As a result, EU member states lost an estimated €22.9 billion in tax revenue. More than 6,200 illegal operators are actively targeting European consumers.

Erwin van Lambaart, Chairman of the European Casino Association and CEO of Casinos Austria and Austrian Lotteries, emphasized the urgency of the situation. He presented the latest data from the Gambling Compliance International study.

“The 2025 data leave no doubt: illegal online gambling is growing fast across borders, putting players – especially young adults – at risk, draining tax revenues and eroding trust in the regulated market. Illegal operators can reach EU consumers without safeguards or oversight.” - Erwin van Lambaart, Chair of the European Casino Association and CEO of Casinos Austria and Austrian Lotteries

Van Lambaart advocates for better coordination among law enforcement agencies. Financial intelligence units and industry experts also need to work more closely together. He views the problem in the context of anti-money laundering efforts.

Background

The discussion took place at the European Parliament in Brussels. Lukas Mandl, Member of the European Parliament, hosted the roundtable. Representatives from the European Commission, the Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA), Eurojust, and the Joint Parliamentary Scrutiny Group on Europol participated in the debate. National gambling regulatory bodies and industry representatives were also present. The group discussed how to better combat the cross-border nature of illegal gambling.

A central topic was the reform of Europol's mandate. This would give the European police authority more opportunities in the fight against organized crime. Illegal gambling is no longer just a gambling problem. It is closely linked to money laundering, consumer protection, and the abuse of digital means. The distinction between the regulated market and illegal offerings is crucial. For the ECA, a “grey market” does not exist. An operator is either licensed or illegal.

Licensed operators must adhere to strict laws. This includes player protection, anti-money laundering measures, and responsible gaming. Illegal providers circumvent these requirements. They often offer aggressive bonuses. Age and identity checks are often weak or non-existent. Furthermore, there are no reliable complaint channels. Players are exposed to higher risks here. For the EU authorities, rapid and efficient cooperation is essential. Faster data sharing and payment disruptions are necessary.

Why it matters for German players

For German players, the fight against illegal online gambling is of great importance. The German State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021) has created a regulated framework. This protects players in Germany. Casinos holding a German license from the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL) are the only legal providers. These casinos are bound by strict rules. These include a wager limit of 1 euro per spin on slot machines. There is also a deposit limit of 1,000 euros per month. The nationwide blocking system LUGAS provides additional protection for players. It prevents simultaneous participation in multiple gambling offers.

Players who play with non-GGL-licensed providers enter an unsafe territory. These providers do not comply with German laws. They often do not offer sufficient player protection measures. Legal recourse is also difficult in case of problems. The ECA's efforts underscore the necessity of only registering with GGL-licensed casinos. This protects against fraud and manipulation.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For GGL-licensed casinos, these developments confirm their work. They operate in a regulated and secure environment. The strict requirements of the GlüStV 2021 promote responsible gaming and transparency. They protect against money laundering and fraud. The growing threat from illegal providers shows how important the regulated market is. GGL-licensed casinos can position themselves as a safe and reputable alternative. They benefit from efforts at the European level. Stronger enforcement against illegal providers strengthens the legal market. It creates a level playing field. The pooling of forces at the EU level could thus further consolidate the legal German market and strengthen player trust.