Europe’s unlicensed online gambling market continues to grow, with new research estimating that illegal operators generated approximately €12 billion in net gaming revenue during 2025.
The research, commissioned by European gaming trade association Euromat and conducted by Regulus Partners and Helios, examined 28 European gambling markets. According to the findings, the illegal online gambling sector has roughly tripled in size since 2019 and now represents an estimated 25% of Europe’s online gambling market. Kazino
Regulators Face Growing Offshore Casino Challenge
The findings come as gambling regulators across Europe increase their focus on offshore and unlicensed casino operators.
Germany recently saw law-enforcement action against an alleged illegal online gambling network connected to approximately €5.86 billion in wagers. Meanwhile, authorities and regulated operators in countries including the Netherlands have also increased efforts against gambling websites operating without local licences. Kazino
One issue highlighted by the Euromat research is cryptocurrency gambling. Researchers identified crypto as one factor helping offshore operators differentiate their services and operate outside traditional regulated gambling systems. Kazino
European Gambling Regulation Continues to Change
The wider European gambling landscape is also changing rapidly.
The Netherlands issued its first group of online gambling licence renewals in September, while Malta recently introduced voluntary guidance addressing the use of artificial intelligence within the gambling industry. European regulators continue to focus on areas including player protection, advertising, anti-money-laundering controls and illegal operators. iGB
The debate is likely to continue over how strict regulation should be. Industry groups have argued that excessive restrictions can push some players toward unlicensed websites, while regulators generally emphasize consumer protection and enforcement against operators that do not comply with national gambling laws.
For online casino players, the developments reinforce the importance of checking an operator’s licence and whether it is authorized to offer gambling services in their country.
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