EGBA calls for EU-wide crackdown on gambling fraud networks

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has submitted comprehensive evidence to the European Commission detailing the escalating threat of fraudulent gambling operations that are systematically deceiving consumers and undermining legitimate operators across Europe.

The submission forms part of the Commission's call for evidence on its upcoming EU Action Plan on Fighting Online Fraud – an initiative designed to reduce online fraud across different economic sectors through strengthened coordination and cross-border cooperation.

Sophisticated fraud schemes targeting consumers

EGBA's evidence documents multiple fraud vectors that exploit consumer trust in licensed gambling brands. The documented schemes include fraudulent websites using domain names that mimic or closely resemble legitimate operators, illegal gambling apps distributed through Google Play and Apple App Store, phishing campaigns impersonating licensed brands, and social media advertising that drives users toward real-money apps based outside of the EU disguised as games.

These fraudulent operations expose players to identity theft, financial loss, and unsafe gambling environments where established consumer protections such as self-exclusion tools are absent. The trade body reports that fraudulent domains and applications frequently reappear shortly after takedown actions, creating persistent consumer exposure despite continuous monitoring and enforcement efforts.

Illegal market reaches alarming scale

The scope of the problem has reached critical proportions, with illegal operators now capturing an estimated 27% of Europe's total online gambling market gross gaming revenue in 2025, worth approximately €18 billion. This massive illegal market share represents a significant threat to both consumer protection and the regulated gambling environment.

The submission specifically addresses risks posed by offshore operators based outside the EU who deliberately increase consumer risk by falsely claiming to hold gambling licenses granted by EU countries, misrepresenting their regulatory status, and disguising gambling products as games.

"The evidence we've gathered shows how fraudsters are systematically exploiting the trust consumers place in the licensed gambling environment, putting European consumers at risk and allowing the illegal online gambling market to grow. From fake websites and fraudulent apps to phishing campaigns and social media scams, these threats reappear as quickly as they're taken down. Fragmented national approaches to these types of fraud are not enough – we need coordinated EU-level action to ensure consumers and legitimate operators aren't left fighting an uphill battle against fraud."

— Dr Ekaterina Hartmann, Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs at EGBA

Coordinated response needed

EGBA's submission emphasises that current fragmented national approaches are insufficient to combat these sophisticated cross-border fraud networks. The trade body argues for coordinated EU-level action to protect both consumers and legitimate operators from these persistent threats.

The fraud patterns identified are closely linked to the rapid expansion of unregulated illegal platforms across Europe, creating a vicious cycle that threatens the integrity of the regulated gambling market. The Seven EU regulators unite against illegal gambling ads demonstrates growing recognition of this cross-border challenge.

The Commission's Action Plan on Fighting Online Fraud is scheduled for adoption in the second quarter of 2026. The full submission and supporting evidence are available through the European Commission's better regulation portal under initiative reference 16313.

Strategic implications for market integrity

This intervention represents a critical moment for European gambling regulation. The €18 billion illegal market demonstrates how sophisticated fraud operations can undermine years of regulatory progress in consumer protection and market integrity.

For operators, the evidence underscores the need for enhanced brand protection strategies and closer cooperation with regulatory authorities. The scale of impersonation attacks suggests that traditional takedown approaches are insufficient against well-resourced criminal networks that can rapidly rebuild their infrastructure.

The timing of EGBA's submission also signals growing industry concern that fragmented national enforcement creates regulatory arbitrage opportunities for fraudulent operators, potentially requiring new cross-border coordination mechanisms beyond the 2026 action plan.

According to European Gaming and Betting Association.