#None #Online Gambling #EU Regulations #unregulated market

Overview of Unregulated Online Gambling in Europe

The landscape of online gambling in Europe has become increasingly complex, characterized by a staggering expansion of unregulated markets. According to a comprehensive analysis commissioned by the Campaign for Fairer Gambling (CFG) and conducted by Gaming Compliance International (GCI), it has been revealed that a significant 72% of online gambling revenue within the EU-27 successfully circumvents local regulations. This translates to an alarming figure of €91.6 billion in revenue attributed to unregulated online gambling operators in 2025, illustrating a 74% increase from the €52.6 billion reported in 2023.

The Growth of Unregulated Revenue

The report, titled "Online Gambling 2024–2025 EU 27 Europe," paints a vivid picture of the rapidly growing unregulated sector, which accounts for nearly three-quarters of the entire European online gambling market, valued at €128 billion. The unregulated market's revenue not only raises eyebrows but also highlights concerning consumer protection, taxation, licensing, and regulatory oversight issues.

A Wider Ecosystem Beyond the Gambling Sites

The risk extends beyond mere financial figures; the report underscores an expansive ecosystem that includes affiliate programs, social media channels, advertising networks, payment solutions, peer-to-peer communications, and even illegal streaming services, all aiding unregulated operators in reaching potential consumers and monetizing their activities.

In 2025, around 121 million Europeans encountered online gambling content, with a staggering 88 million interacting with offerings from unregulated operators. Crucially, 91% of the content accessed by active players in this sector promoted the unregulated sphere. The interconnected infrastructure utilized by these operators is astonishing, enabling website scalability, domain transfers, audience redirection, and a wide variety of monetization techniques.

Call for Regulatory Reforms

Derek Webb, founder of the Campaign for Fairer Gambling, has emphatically stated that "Europe is facing a blatant issue of regulatory non-compliance." He elaborated on the significant implications of the reported €91.6 billion in revenue generated outside the framework of local regulations, indicating that such a monumental figure should catalyze more robust enforcement actions against operators who sidestep local regulations. Webb insists that solutions should not involve loosening regulations or providing tax incentives for licensed operators, but rather enhancing the enforcement of existing laws. "A license issued by any authority does not grant the right to operate everywhere," Webb stated.

Furthermore, Ismail Vali, President of Gaming Compliance International, echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the overwhelming revenue reflects the vastness of unauthorized gambling activities taking place beyond local regulatory frameworks. Vali noted, "The battle for customer acquisition may already be lost by the time the wager is placed."

Conclusion

The report indicates that this growing trend of unregulated gambling presents significant challenges for European authorities and calls for a strategic overview of the entire gambling market—both regulated and unregulated—ensuring that regulations are effectively enforced across the entire industry infrastructure. As the unregulated sector continues to thrive, establishing firm control measures will be crucial for safeguarding consumers and ensuring fair play in the industry.