Illegal betting dominates Eastern Europe

A new study shows that 81% of online bets in Eastern Europe are placed on illegal platforms, well above the European average of 72%. The black market generated €91.6 billion in 2025 and deprived states of €22 billion in tax revenue.

Illegal betting represents a major problem in Eastern Europe, where eight out of ten online bets are placed on unauthorized websites, according to a study conducted by Global Consulting & Intelligence (GCI), cited by GOLAZO.ro. The 81% figure significantly exceeds the European Union average of 72% and places the region among those most affected by the black gambling market.

At the European level, the illegal online betting market reached €91.6 billion in 2025, up 3.6% from the previous year. Estimates show that, in the absence of stronger measures, its value could rise to €105.7 billion by 2029.

The impact on public budgets is considerable: European states are estimated to have lost approximately €22 billion in taxes and contributions in 2025. Money that could have gone to public budgets instead remained in the hands of unauthorized operators, who do not comply with the licensing, consumer protection, and social responsibility rules applicable to the legal market.

The study also highlights an important difference between Europe’s regions. In Eastern Europe, the share of illegal betting is 81%, compared with 74% in Southern Europe and 70% in Northern Europe. These figures suggest that enforcement of legislation, blocking illegal websites, and cooperation between authorities remain insufficient in several countries.

For Romania, the phenomenon is particularly worrying. Although legally authorized operators exist, the black market continues to attract bettors through easily accessible websites, aggressive promotions, and a lack of checks on users’ identities or ages. Specialists warn that such platforms can expose players to major risks: no payment guarantees, no self-exclusion mechanisms, and no protection against fraud.

The legal industry argues that high taxation and strict rules can push some bettors toward underground operators. Market representatives are calling, among other things, for more effective measures to block illegal websites, harsher penalties for intermediaries, and better consumer education regarding the risks of unauthorized betting.

The phenomenon affects more than just the public budget. Internationally, illegal betting is associated with money laundering, fraud, and the manipulation of sporting competitions. Therefore, European authorities are under pressure to strengthen cross-border cooperation and adopt faster tools for identifying and blocking operators targeting users in member states.

According to the study, without a coordinated response, the black market could continue to grow in the coming years, and European states’ tax losses could become even greater.