The illegal online gambling market targeting European consumers continued its rapid expansion in 2025, reaching an estimated €91.6bn and creating fresh concerns for regulators, governments and licensed operators.
The latest figures were presented during a European Parliament roundtable focused on combating unlicensed gambling. The research, commissioned by the European Casino Association (ECA) and carried out by Gambling Compliance International, showed that the illegal sector grew by around 14% compared with the previous year, when its value was estimated at approximately €80bn.
According to the findings, unlicensed gambling operators are now responsible for a significant share of online gambling activity across the EU-27. Researchers identified more than 6,200 illegal platforms actively targeting players in European countries, often operating outside national licensing systems and consumer protection requirements.
The expansion of the black market has also created a major financial impact for governments. The ECA estimates that EU member states lost around €22.9bn in potential tax revenue in 2025 because gambling activity moved away from regulated operators.
Industry representatives warned that illegal platforms do not follow the same standards as licensed companies, including responsible gambling measures, identity checks, anti-money laundering controls and player protection policies. They argued that unregulated operators can attract customers through aggressive promotions while avoiding the costs and obligations faced by legal businesses.
ECA Chair Erwin van Lambaart said the latest numbers underline the need for stronger cooperation between regulators, law enforcement authorities and the gambling industry. He called illegal gambling a cross-border challenge that cannot be solved by individual countries acting alone.
Officials involved in the discussion urged closer coordination between EU institutions, national authorities, financial intelligence groups and technology platforms to restrict the reach of illegal gambling websites and protect consumers.
The report adds to ongoing debate across Europe over how regulators can balance strict gambling controls with keeping players inside licensed markets, as offshore operators continue to expand their presence online.