Unregulated gambling brought in about €91.6 billion in revenue across the European Union in 2025. It accounted for roughly 72% of the EU’s online gambling market, according to a recent report.
Gaming Compliance International said the online gambling market hit a very large total of billions last year. They work under a commission from the Campaign for Fairer Gambling.
New numbers are causing concern in many EU countries. People are watching how quickly online gambling is growing. They also create worries for national regulators, because some companies are running without the local approvals they are supposed to have.
Gross gambling revenue shows what operators keep after they pay out winnings. It does not show the full sum that players bet.
The report says there are over 6,200 gambling operators working outside the rules and selling to customers across the EU. It also found about 17,500 affiliates involved in promoting gambling services.
Gaming Compliance International said these operators can reach customers through websites, search engines, social media, advertising networks, streaming services and other online platforms.
The growth of online gambling in EU markets could also have a major effect on government tax income. The European Casino Association said its report puts the EU tax loss at about €22.9 billion in 2025. It links that figure to illegal online gambling.
Firms that are licensed still have to follow the rules set by the countries where they run their services. These rules can cover areas such as advertising, player protection and taxes. Unregulated operators do not follow the same national licensing requirements.
Gaming Compliance International said regulators should look beyond gambling websites when trying to stop illegal operators. The company said authorities also need to examine the digital networks that help these businesses advertise their services and reach customers.
The issue is complicated by differences between national gambling laws. An operator with a license in one EU country does not automatically have permission to offer gambling services in another country.
This creates a challenge for regulators because online operators can reach customers across national borders. It also makes cooperation between regulators and other authorities more important.
The European Casino Association has called for stronger cooperation between regulators, law enforcement agencies and other groups involved in tackling illegal gambling.
Gaming Compliance International said a wider approach is needed to deal with the growing market. This includes monitoring advertising, affiliate networks and other digital services connected to unregulated gambling.
For consumers, the report highlights the difference between licensed and unregulated gambling services. Licensed operators must meet national requirements, while unregulated businesses operate outside those local systems.
The latest figures put the size of online gambling in EU markets under renewed attention. Gaming Compliance International said the continued growth of unregulated operators shows the need for stronger monitoring and cooperation across the region.
As European authorities consider further action, online gambling in EU markets is expected to remain an important issue for governments, regulators and the gambling industry.
