EGBA calls for EU wide action against surge in online gambling fraud

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has urged the European Commission to take stronger, coordinated action against the rapid rise of online fraud in the gambling sector, warning that European consumers are increasingly exposed to sophisticated scams.

The call comes as part of the Commission’s upcoming EU Action Plan on Fighting Online Fraud, aimed at strengthening cross-border cooperation to combat digital fraud across industries. In its submission, EGBA stresses the need for a unified European response to fraudulent gambling websites and apps that impersonate licensed operators and exploit consumer trust.

According to the evidence presented, fraudsters are systematically targeting players through fake domains that closely mimic legitimate brands, as well as illegal apps distributed via major platforms such as Google Play and Apple App Store. The report also highlights phishing campaigns and misleading social media ads that redirect users to real-money gambling platforms based outside the EU, often disguised as harmless games.

These practices expose consumers to serious risks, including identity theft, financial losses, and unregulated gambling environments that lack key player protections such as self-exclusion tools. Despite ongoing monitoring and enforcement efforts, EGBA members report that fraudulent sites and apps frequently reappear shortly after being taken down.

The association estimates that illegal operators accounted for around 27% of Europe’s online gambling gross gaming revenue in 2025, equivalent to approximately €18 billion. Many of these offshore operators falsely claim to hold EU licenses or misrepresent their regulatory status, further misleading consumers and undermining the regulated market.

The European Commission is expected to adopt its Action Plan in the second quarter of 2026.

Dr. Ekaterina Hartmann warned: “Fraudsters are systematically exploiting the trust consumers place in licensed gambling environments. From fake websites and apps to phishing and social media scams, these threats evolve as quickly as they are removed. Fragmented national responses are no longer sufficient — coordinated EU-level action is essential to protect consumers and support legitimate operators.”