The European Casino Association (ECA) has released its 2024 manifesto, emphasizing the need for sweeping reforms to combat illegal gambling activities and bolster the regulated gaming industry's role in Europe. The manifesto, titled "Winning Together: A Pledge to Fight Crime, Protect Consumers, and Support the EU’s Competitiveness," highlights critical challenges and actionable solutions to ensure the industry remains a robust economic contributor.
The Illegal Gambling Threat
According to a study commissioned by the ECA, illicit gambling generated €32 billion in online revenue across EU member states during the first half of 2024—70% of the total online gaming market. Illegal land-based gambling added another €10 billion. These activities cost EU governments over €10 billion annually in lost tax revenue. The ECA has called on policymakers to prioritize enforcing the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CFT) package and reinforcing Europol to combat these illicit activities effectively.
ECA's Proactive Approach
The ECA’s licensed members operate under strict regulatory frameworks, abiding by EU laws and directives. They also implement responsible gaming standards, including measures to identify and assist vulnerable consumers. ECA President Hermann Pamminger stated, "We aim to collaborate with national and European policymakers to eliminate the threats posed by illegal gambling while strengthening consumer protections and industry standards."
Economic Contributions
The licensed casino industry employs 70,000 people across 29 countries, operating over 700 land-based casinos. The sector contributes significantly to national GDPs, providing high-quality jobs, fostering tourism, and supporting cultural and charitable projects. However, the growing presence of illegal operators undermines these benefits, creating an uneven playing field.
The Call for Action
The manifesto urges the EU to take the following steps:
- Enforce the AML/CFT package across all member states.
- Advocate for a multi-licensing framework that ensures national control over gambling services.
- Develop strategies to prevent unlicensed operators from exploiting loopholes in the Digital Services Act.
Future Projections
The ECA estimates that shifting 20% of illegal gambling revenue to regulated markets could yield an additional €4 billion in tax revenue annually by 2030. Licensed operators are also pushing for fair access to banking services to strengthen the industry's financial infrastructure.
Visualizing the Impact
To illustrate these dynamics, consider two key charts:
- Revenue Loss Breakdown (2024)
- €32B: Illegal online gambling revenue.
- €10B: Illegal land-based gambling revenue.
- €10B: Annual tax revenue loss.
- Projected Tax Recovery (2030)
- €4B: Additional revenue with a 20% shift to regulated markets.
- €2.5B: Potential increase in employment contributions.
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