ECA report warns illegal online gambling operators account for 71% of the EU market
A new study commissioned by European Casino Association (ECA) and conducted by Yield Sec reveals that illegal online gambling operators now control about 71% of the European Union’s online gambling market.
In 2024, unlicensed operators generated around €80.6 billion in gross gaming revenue — more than double the €33.6 billion from licensed operators. The total EU online gambling market reached approximately €114.3 billion.
The report identified over 6,200 illegal operators actively targeting EU consumers, exposing or engaging about 81 million Europeans with illicit gambling services.
The proliferation of unlicensed operators also caused a massive hit to public finances: assuming a 25% average tax rate on online gambling, illegal operators diverted more than €20 billion in tax revenue from EU economies in 2024 alone.
Industry leaders warn this is not a marginal phenomenon but a major “economic and societal threat” that undermines regulation, consumer protection, and fair competition.
