Europe’s Illegal Online Gambling Surges in 2024

Europe’s unlicensed online gambling market has surged to unprecedented levels, overtaking much of the continent’s regulated digital ecosystem and siphoning players, revenue and tax contributions from legal operators.

A new report published by the European Casino Association (ECA), in collaboration with YieldSec, outlines the extent of the shift and highlights how rapidly illicit operators have gained ground leaving regulators struggling to keep up.

Illegal operators dominate Europe’s digital gambling landscape

According to YieldSec’s analysis, 71% of all online gambling activity in Europe during 2024 occurred through unlicensed platforms. These operators amassed €80.6 billion in GGR, more than double the €33.6 billion generated by licensed operators.

The fiscal damage is equally severe. The study estimates that over €20 billion in tax revenue evaporated into the illegal market in a single year, money that would otherwise support public programs, national budgets and compliant industry stakeholders.

Illicit platforms expand rapidly

The report identified 6,200 illegal websites actively targeting European players in 2024, marking a 26% year-on-year increase.

Public exposure reached alarming levels as well: 81 million Europeans interacted with illegal gambling content last year, while 92% of online gambling search results directed users toward unregulated operators.

This is now the competitive reality licensed companies are forced to operate within.

Why players gravitate to illegal sites

Unregulated platforms offer features prohibited in licensed markets unlimited betting, anonymous transactions, oversized bonuses and access to restricted titles. Many also mimic the design and branding of regulated casinos to mislead consumers.

YieldSec noted that illegal entities frequently target vulnerable groups, deploying digital marketing that reaches minors and even self-excluded players.

Industry voices raise concerns

ECA President Erwin van Lambaart warned that illegal gambling has grown into “a genuine economic and social threat,” no longer a fringe issue. Every euro directed to illegal platforms, he added, is taken directly from regulated operators and European communities.

YieldSec CEO Ismail Vali stressed the importance of gaining a complete and accurate view of both markets, arguing that without this insight, governments cannot develop policies capable of addressing the scale of the crisis.

This follows recent efforts by seven European regulators, who agreed to intensify joint action against unlicensed online gambling across the region.

A widening divide for Europe

The report concludes that illegal operators are expanding faster than regulatory frameworks can evolve. Their systems are becoming more sophisticated, their presence more pervasive and their influence increasingly difficult to counter.

For regulators and licensed operators alike, the urgent challenge is finding ways to steer players back toward the legal market and rebuild a transparent, secure gambling environment.

The divide between lawful and unlawful gambling in Europe has never been greater.