Tackling the illegal gambling market in Europe: 2025 as the year of change

News Team January 31, 2025
Tackling the illegal gambling market in Europe: 2025 as the year of change

The illegal gambling market has long presented considerable challenges to global regulatory bodies. This undermines the integrity of legalised gambling markets and denies governments substantial tax revenues.

In 2025, Europe is in a prime position to lead an impactful shift in battling this shadow economy while observing important developments in other regions, including Brazil’s much-anticipated entry into the regulated iGaming sector. These efforts emphasise a global trend toward a better regulated, transparent, and secure gambling landscape.

The scale of the problem

Illegal gambling in Europe is a multi-billion-euro industry, with unregulated operators exploiting legal loopholes and targeting consumers through unlicensed platforms. According to the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), about 20 percent of online gambling in the EU occurs on illegal platforms.

This results in:

  • Lost tax revenues.
  • A failure to protect consumers from deceitful practices.
  • No or few responsible gambling measures.
  • Data security risks.

Illegal gambling’s endurance is fueled mainly by the anonymity of digital platforms, inconsistent regulations across jurisdictions, and the difficulty of enforcing cross-border laws. For many years, organised crime syndicates have taken advantage of these gaps, implanting illegal gambling networks in both online and physical environments.

However, 2025 marks a turning point as coordinated international action intensifies. Many online brands are working hard to secure timely verification and licensing from the relevant authorities. Websites such as discasino.com and other similar platforms operate under strict international regulations and head the fight against poor practice in the iGaming industry. The focus is on collaborative efforts to combat Europe’s illegal gambling market, highlighted by the UK Gambling Commission’s (UKGC) recent commitment to tackle illegal gambling.

Europe’s coordinated response

In 2025, the European Union launched several initiatives to tackle illegal gambling. Member states need to coordinate their legislation to support these efforts. The European Commission has proposed a unified regulatory framework that includes mandatory licensing standards, centralised data sharing among regulators, and enhanced cooperation with law enforcement agencies.

Countries like France, Sweden, and the Netherlands also enhance their national efforts by deploying advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to identify unlicensed operators. More aggressive implementation of payment blocking and domain blacklisting has created financial and operational barriers for illegal platforms.

Consumer education campaigns also play a vital role. The EGBA’s “Know Your Bet” initiative encourages players to choose licensed operators and be aware of the risks of illegal platforms. The idea is that by empowering consumers to make informed decisions, regulators hope to reduce the demand that sustains the black market.

Brazil’s blossoming iGaming market

Brazil launched its regulated iGaming market at the beginning of 2025. This move will redefine the global gambling industry. With around 214 million residents, Brazil’s regulated online betting offers a profitable opportunity for operators and aims to disrupt thriving illegal gambling networks. Brazil’s regulatory framework attracts licensed operators while cracking down on unlicensed activity.

Some measures to be implemented:

  • Rigorous licensing requirements.
  • Real-time tax reporting systems.
  • Penalties for illegal operators.

Lessons from Europe are being integrated, with Brazilian regulators working closely with international bodies to ensure the market launch incorporates best practices.

Global implications

The junction of Europe’s crackdown on illegal gambling and Brazil’s market liberalisation highlights a broader shift toward regulatory alignment and cross-border cooperation.

Organisations like the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) facilitate dialogue among regulators, operators, and policymakers worldwide to share intelligence and develop unified strategies.

Will we remember 2025 as the year of significant global changes in gambling regulation? To create a fairer and more secure future, governments and industry stakeholders must address the root causes of illegal gambling and foster international cooperation.

As Europe and Brazil take centre stage in this fight, the message is simple: the era of unchecked illegal gambling is coming to an end.

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