Europe's Illegal Online Gambling Market Triples to €12 Billion

The European online gambling market has seen a significant surge in its illegal sector, according to new research. The study, commissioned by trade body Euromat, estimates that the unregulated market generated approximately €12 billion in net revenue across Europe in 2025.

This figure represents a tripled value since 2019 and accounts for around 25% of the total online gambling sector in Europe. The research covered 28 markets, including EU member states and several non-EU countries.

Cryptocurrency growth was identified as an important factor in the expansion of the illegal market, as it allows unregulated businesses to differentiate their products and circumvent conventional regulatory controls. Affiliate marketing was also highlighted as a challenge for enforcement efforts.

Euromat plans to use the findings in discussions with policymakers and law enforcement agencies to address the issue of online gambling black markets.