Illegal EU Gambling Hits €91.6 Billion in 2025, Reports Casino Group

The European Union is grappling with a massive problem: illegal online gambling is flourishing. According to the European Casino Association (ECA), this segment is expected to reach a volume of €91.6 billion by 2025. This alarming figure was presented at a European Parliament roundtable, revealing significant challenges for regulators and licensed operators. The black market is growing rapidly and entails considerable financial damage. Estimates suggest tax losses of €22.9 billion for EU member states, undermining efforts to establish a protected and controlled gambling market.

Numbers and facts

The European Casino Association presented this development as part of an annual study conducted by Gambling Compliance International. According to the study, the illegal market recorded an annual growth of approximately 14 percent. The ECA estimates that over 6,200 unlicensed operators are actively targeting European consumers. These figures are alarming and show how widespread the shadow market has become. For the EU-27 member states, this means a collective loss of around €22.9 billion in tax revenues. Simultaneously, the illegal online gambling market rose to €91.6 billion last year.

Background

The European Parliament roundtable, hosted by MEP Lukas Mandl, brought together regulators, European institutions, and industry representatives. Discussions focused on law enforcement and closer cooperation between EU institutions and national authorities. A central theme was the cross-border nature of illegal gambling. The European Commission is currently reviewing proposals to reform Europol's mandate. Such changes are intended to strengthen its role in combating cross-border organized crime. Erwin van Lambaart, Chairman of the European Casino Association and CEO of Casinos Austria and Austrian Lotteries, warned about the risks. He emphasized that the visibility of illegal online content poses a growing challenge.

“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 also called for stronger coordination between enforcement bodies, financial intelligence units, and sector specialists. He referred to the importance of anti-money laundering controls to prevent criminal financial flows in the gambling sector. Recent reports also show that regulated markets are facing difficulties. Playtech, for example, saw a 17 percent decline in B2C revenue in the first half of 2025. This was attributed to increased regulations, partly due to financial vulnerability checks in the UK. New regulations reportedly led to lower player activity.

Why it matters for German players

For German players, these developments are highly significant. The German Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021) has created a legal framework for online gambling. This framework aims to protect players and curb the black market. Unfortunately, the high number of illegal offerings in the EU shows that this battle is far from over. Players should therefore only choose casino providers listed on the so-called GGL whitelist of the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL). These casinos are subject to strict requirements, such as the €1 per spin stake limit for slot machines and a monthly deposit limit of €1,000. Furthermore, they are connected to LUGAS, the nationwide gambling supervision system, which ensures central monitoring and player protection. Playing with unlicensed providers without a German license means entering unsafe territory, lacking the player protection that is standard in Germany.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For GGL-licensed casinos in Germany, the EU-wide figures mean continued competition with the black market. The strict requirements of the GlüStV 2021, such as the €1,000 monthly deposit limit and the option for self-exclusion via LUGAS, aim to prevent gambling addiction. At the same time, these measures could deter players seeking higher limits, leading them to illegal offers. The task of the GGL and licensed operators is to communicate the benefits of the regulated market. These include transparency, security, and clear player protection. The development in the EU shows that stronger cooperation is necessary to effectively combat the black market. Only then can revenues in the regulated sector be maintained and players optimally protected.