Europe: 71% of Gambling Turnover on Illegal Websites in 2024

In 2024, 71% of the turnover in online betting and casinos in Europe, equivalent to €80.65 billion, took place on illegal websites. This is according to data from Yield Sec, which defines illegal platforms as those without a license in the jurisdictions they target.

The growth of illegal platforms in the 27 EU countries surpassed the regulated sector, which increased by 30% to €33.64 billion. Overall, the market grew by 46% to €114.3 billion.

EU authorities have tightened gambling rules, but this has created space for unregulated operators. A busy sporting calendar, with the Olympics and Euro 2024, led fans to illegal betting sites, often offering pirated sports streams.

Yield Sec monitored more than 6,200 active illegal operators targeting the EU. The European Gaming and Betting Association estimates that total gross revenue from online gambling in Europe will reach €47.9 billion in 2024.