The European Casino Association has published a report prepared by intelligence platform Yield Sec, outlining the extent of illegal online gambling activity across the EU's 27 Member States.
According to the findings, unlicensed operators generated €80.6bn ($93.10bn) in gross gaming revenue in 2024, compared with €33.6bn in the regulated sector.
Yield Sec estimates that more than 6,200 illegal operators actively targeted European consumers during the year.
The study also reports that approximately 81 million Europeans were exposed to, or engaged with, illegal gambling services. Applying an assumed EU-wide online tax rate of 25%, the report calculates that illicit operators diverted more than €20bn away from public finances in 2024.
The ECA said this represents funding that could have supported economic competitiveness, workforce development or research and innovation projects.
The report follows increasing scrutiny from regulators worldwide on illegal online gambling channels. Earlier this month, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) released its quarterly compliance update, confirming 44 breaches of the Interactive Gambling Act and the blocking of 71 websites.
ACMA issued 20 formal warnings and noted continued attempts by offshore operators to re-enter the market through alternate domains.
Yield Sec's analysis highlights how illegal operators use online advertising channels, including those subject to the Digital Services Act, to reach self-excluded or underage users.
The report notes that unlicensed platforms often impersonate regulated casinos, exploiting logos and branding to mislead customers. These operators typically offer unrestricted betting limits, anonymous payment methods and fake bonuses, while bypassing responsible gambling requirements.
Erwin van Lambaart, ECA Chairman, said the findings reaffirm long-held concerns about the economic and social impact of illegal gambling.
Yield Sec CEO Ismail Vali added that policymakers require visibility of both legal and illegal market segments to implement effective interventions.
The ECA has called for enhanced cooperation between national authorities, regulators and industry stakeholders to curb the growth of illegal gambling
