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A new study shows that illegal online gambling is no longer operating in the shadows. It has expanded rapidly, capturing the majority of the continent’s digital market and pulling players, revenue and tax income away from regulated operators.

The European Casino Association (ECA) released the findings, based on research conducted with YieldSec. The data highlights both the explosive growth of the illegal sector and the mounting challenges for regulators.

Illegal operators dominate the online market

According to YieldSec, 71% of all online gambling activity in Europe in 2024 took place on illegal websites. These operators generated €80.6 billion in GGR, more than double the €33.6 billion recorded by the regulated market.

The financial impact goes further. The report estimates that Europe lost over €20 billion in tax revenue in a single year due to illegal operators—affecting public services, national budgets and compliant businesses.

Rapid expansion of illicit platforms

The study identified 6,200 illegal websites targeting European consumers in 2024, a 26% increase from the previous year.

Exposure levels are even more alarming:

81 million Europeans encountered illegal platforms directly
92% of gambling-related search results pointed to unlicensed operators

This is the landscape regulated operators are now forced to compete in.

Why players are drawn in

Illegal platforms offer features regulated operators cannot legally provide, including:

No betting limits
Anonymous payments
Higher bonuses
Access to restricted games Some even impersonate licensed casinos to mislead players.

These channels also target vulnerable groups, such as minors and self-excluded individuals.

Industry response

ECA President Erwin van Lambaart warned that illegal gambling is now “an economic and social threat,” not a niche concern.

YieldSec CEO Ismail Vali stressed the need for complete market visibility so regulators can design effective countermeasures.

A growing challenge for Europe

The report concludes with a warning: illegal operators are expanding faster than Europe’s regulatory framework can adapt. Their reach is deeper, their technology more sophisticated and their presence harder to avoid.

For policymakers and operators, the key question is now:How can Europe bring players back to the regulated market and restore a safe, transparent online environment?

The gap between legal and illegal gambling has never been wider.