Bet365, Entain, and Flutter Urge EU to Protect Legal Gambling from Offshore Operators

^{Pictured: Open letter by CEOs of EGBA-member gambling companies}

The CEOs of major gambling operators that are part of the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) — including Bet365, Betsson, Entain, Evoke, FDJ United, Flutter, LeoVegas, and Superbet — have issued a joint appeal to EU authorities, calling for a balanced and effective regulatory approach to the gambling sector. The open letter was published on the official EGBA website.

What’s the Issue?

According to the industry’s leading players, a well-calibrated regulatory framework is crucial to ensuring consumer protection, legal compliance, and market competitiveness. However, they argue that Europe’s licensed gambling sector is under increasing pressure due to overly strict regulations.

While licensed operators grapple with complex and costly compliance obligations, “unregulated and untaxed offshore operators, often based outside of Europe, are thriving across the continent,” the letter warns.

Who’s to Blame?

The appeal points to a troubling trend: the more restrictions European governments impose on licensed platforms, the more attractive offshore alternatives become.

“In the Netherlands, deposit limits introduced in 2024 triggered a surge in black market activity. Within months, unlicensed sites matched the revenues of the regulated market,” the letter states.

“In the UK, approximately £2.7 billion ($3.6 billion) is wagered annually on illegal gambling websites, costing taxpayers around £335 million ($453 million) in lost tax revenue.”

What’s the Solution?

The industry leaders believe the EU must act decisively. They recommend a regulatory approach focused on:

• Keeping players within the legal market
• Strengthening enforcement against illegal platforms
• Promoting operators licensed within the EU

“Europe faces a clear choice: either allow regulated operators to continue losing ground to unlicensed rivals that undermine consumer protections and contribute nothing to our society — or work together to safeguard players and support responsible operators who invest billions each year into Europe’s future,” the letter concludes.