Illegal online gambling generates annual loss of €20 billion of EU tax money
A new study commissioned by the European Casino Association (ECA) and conducted by Yield Sec, a global intelligence platform that monitors the entire online gambling marketplace, highlights the alarming scale and rapid growth of illegal online gambling in Europe in 2024. The report was released at the end of last year.
According to the analysis, illegal online gambling operators now represent an estimated 71% of the European Union’s online gambling market. These unlicensed platforms generated approximately €80.6 billion in gross gaming revenue in 2024. This is more than double the €33.6 billion generated by the regulated market.
The study identifies more than 6,200 illegal gambling operators actively targeting EU consumers online, with an estimated 81 million Europeans exposed to or engaging with illegal gambling services.
Based on an assumed EU-wide online gaming tax rate of 25%, Yield Sec estimates that illegal operators diverted more than €20 billion in tax revenue from European economies in 2024 alone. These lost funds could have supported efforts to strengthen industrial competitiveness, invest in workforce skills, and boost research and innovation across the EU.
Erwin van Lambaart, Chairman of the European Casino Association, said the findings validate long-standing concerns raised by the industry. “Illegal online gambling is not a marginal issue—it is an economic and societal threat,” he said. “Every euro lost to criminal operators is a euro taken from European citizens, legitimate and licensed businesses, and our communities. The ECA remains committed to working with European and national authorities to protect consumers, combat criminal activity, uphold the integrity of our industry, and ensure that the benefits of a well-regulated market are not undermined by illegal operators.”
The Yield Sec report is described as the most comprehensive assessment ever conducted of Europe’s online gambling ecosystem. It covers all 27 EU member states and analyzes both legal and illegal activity within each market. The report details how unlicensed operators exploit online advertising channels—including those regulated under the Digital Services Act (DSA)—to reach vulnerable consumers, such as self-excluded players and minors.
Illegal platforms frequently impersonate licensed casinos by using their logos and branding, misleading consumers and damaging the reputation of regulated operators. Free from safeguards, responsible gaming requirements, and tax obligations, these sites attract players with fake bonuses, unlimited betting, and anonymous payment methods. Yield Sec emphasizes that this activity does not constitute a “gray market,” but rather a systematic abuse of regulation and consumer protections that demands decisive action from EU policymakers.
Ismail Vali, Founder and CEO of Yield Sec, said a full-market view is critical for effective regulation. “For regulators and governments, understanding the entire online gambling marketplace is essential to designing targeted, effective policies and interventions,” he said.
newadmin
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025