TLDR The illegal online gambling market targeting EU consumers grew to €91.6 billion last year, up about 14% from the year before. The European Casino Association wants Europol to take on a bigger role in fighting unlicensed gambling operators. The illegal market cost EU member states roughly €22.9 billion in lost tax revenue. Over 6,200 unlicensed operators are actively targeting European customers, according to the report. The European Commission says the Digital Services Act already gives platforms tools to fight illegal gambling ads.
Europe’s licensed casino industry is asking Brussels to strengthen Europol’s role in fighting illegal online gambling. The push follows new research showing the black market aimed at EU consumers grew to €91.6 billion last year.
The European Casino Association shared the findings during a roundtable at the European Parliament. The report shows the illegal market grew by about 14% compared to the previous year.
The timing lines up with ongoing EU reform talks. The European Commission has proposed changes that would expand Europol’s powers and improve its ability to share data across borders.
The casino association wants illegal online gambling added as a clear priority within that expanded mandate.
Industry Says Enforcement Can’t Keep Up
Erwin van Lambaart, who chairs the European Casino Association, said national authorities are struggling to control operators that target customers across many EU countries at once.
He said these operators often stay outside the reach of local regulators entirely.
Van Lambaart argued that better coordination between Europol, the European Commission, the Anti-Money Laundering Authority, financial intelligence units, and national police would help turn information into real enforcement action.
Without that cooperation, he said illegal operators will keep growing while licensed businesses, tax revenue, and player protections suffer.
The report was prepared by Gambling Compliance International. It found that illegal