(AsiaGameHub) – Europe’s gambling industry is taking an active role in the European Commission‘s (EC) initiative to combat online fraud throughout the continent.
Early this year, the EC started developing an action plan designed to enhance cross-border cooperation among member states in tackling online organised crime.
To build a comprehensive strategy, the EC invited stakeholders to provide feedback and share best practices for combating fraud schemes, including gambling industry representatives who have long been fighting the black market.
As a sector representative, the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) responded to the EC’s request for input by highlighting how illegal gambling providers target unsuspecting players by masquerading as licensed operators.
To support its position, EGBA provided evidence including websites with domain names that closely mimic those of legitimate operators, exploiting the regulated market’s reputation.
Additional evidence revealed illegal mobile gambling apps on Google and Apple platforms, black market promotions on social media, and phishing schemes.
The trade association also reminded the EC that illegal gambling platforms accounted for approximately 27%, or €18 billion, of Europe’s total online gambling market GGR in 2025.
This exposes players to considerable risk, as these platforms lack the protections offered by licensed operators and instead heighten the risk of identity theft, financial losses, and problem gambling.
Dr Ekaterina Hartmann, Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs at EGBA, stated: “Our collected evidence demonstrates how fraudsters are systematically exploiting consumer trust in the licensed gambling sector, endangering European consumers and enabling the illegal online gambling market to expand.
“From counterfeit websites and fraudulent applications to phishing operations and social media fraud, these threats resurface as fast as they are removed. Piecemeal national responses to such fraud are insufficient – we require coordinated EU-wide action to prevent consumers and legitimate operators from facing an uphill struggle against fraud.”
The EC’s Action Plan on Combating Online Fraud is anticipated to be adopted in the second quarter of 2026.
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