The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has formally called on the European Commission to adopt a robust action plan aimed at combating the increasing incidence of online gambling fraud across EU markets. In its submission to the Commission’s public consultation on online fraud, EGBA emphasised the need for coordinated EU-wide measures encompassing enforcement, data sharing, and technological innovation.
The intervention underscores growing concern over fraud vulnerabilities within digital gambling ecosystems and reflects broader momentum among European regulators to tighten consumer protection and security metrics.
Addressing the Scope of Online Gambling Fraud Across Europe
EGBA’s submission to the European Commission emphasises that online gambling fraud has evolved into a systemic issue that exploits fragmented national approaches and outpaces current enforcement mechanisms. The association provided documented evidence showing how fraudsters use techniques such as stolen branding, deceptive domain names, and fake apps to capture unwitting consumers.
Dr Ekaterina Hartmann, Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs at EGBA, highlighted the severity of the threat in the association’s response:
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.
This evidence includes examples of the following:
- Fraudulent domains mimicking licensed operators’ web addresses
- Illegal gambling apps distributed through mainstream app stores
- Phishing campaigns impersonating recognised brands
- Social media advertising that directs users to offshore, unregulated platforms
EGBA warns that such practices expose consumers to identity theft, financial loss, and unsafe environments where robust consumer protections, such as self‑exclusion schemes and responsible gambling safeguards, are absent.
EGBA’s Case for Harmonised Consumer Protection Standards
EGBA’s call comes amid broader debates on how digital gambling services should be regulated within Europe, particularly as markets expand and new entrants diversify offerings. The association stressed that fragmented national frameworks can inhibit effective detection and prosecution of fraud, enabling bad actors to exploit regulatory loopholes.
The group’s position emphasises that a harmonised EU approach would reduce opportunities for criminals to leverage jurisdictional variance, improve cross‑border intelligence sharing, and allow for consistent enforcement responses.
This perspective aligns with recent legal developments in the gambling sector, where judicial and regulatory clarity has been pivotal. For example, a CJEU ruling against the Netherlands affirmed the importance of legal certainty in licensing regimes after the Dutch regulator’s appeal was dismissed in a case involving EGBA members, a victory that underscored the relevance of robust, predictable legal frameworks for operators and consumers alike.
Cross‑Sector Fraud Risks and the Need for Real‑Time Data Sharing
EGBA’s recommendations also highlight the need for enhanced data sharing protocols between private operators, financial institutions, and law enforcement agencies. The association posits that real‑time analytics and shared intelligence streams would significantly improve the ability of authorities to detect anomalies indicative of fraud or abuse.
This argument reflects broader regulatory trends prioritising real‑time risk detection and inter‑agency cooperation, particularly as digital financial products and online transaction platforms become more integrated. The Commission’s consultation is expected to explore mechanisms by which such collaborative frameworks can be implemented while respecting data protection laws.
EU Consultation Looks to Strengthen Cross‑Sector Fraud Defences
The European Commission’s initiative on fighting online fraud seeks input from digital platforms, regulated industries, law enforcement agencies, and consumer groups to help shape a strategic action plan. The consultation falls under the Commission’s broader Better Regulation agenda and is intended to feed into a coordinated EU response to online fraud across various sectors, including financial services, e‑commerce, and gambling.
EGBA’s recommendations for the EU action plan include:
- Enhanced cross‑border law enforcement cooperation among Member States
- Real‑time information sharing mechanisms between regulators and industry
- Common standards for identity verification and KYC (Know Your Customer)
- Harmonised monitoring and takedown procedures for fraudulent sites
A harmonised EU approach, EGBA argues, would reduce the ability of fraudsters to exploit regulatory discrepancies between Member States and dissuade persistent reappearances of illicit platforms shortly after takedown.
Wider Landscape of European Gambling Regulation
EGBA’s call for action on online fraud comes at a time when several European jurisdictions are modernising their regulatory frameworks to address emerging market dynamics. For example, Finland recently finalised gambling licence fees ahead of its planned online market launch in 2027, underscoring how Member States are adjusting national regimes in anticipation of broader shifts within the EU’s digital gambling landscape.
The interplay between national reforms and EU‑wide initiatives suggests an evolving regulatory environment in which harmonised consumer protection standards may gain increasing prominence.
Next Steps: Commission’s Roadmap for Online Fraud Action Plan
The European Commission’s consultation on fighting online fraud remains open to input from industry stakeholders, consumer groups, and regulatory bodies. Feedback will help inform the Commission’s next steps in developing a comprehensive EU action plan, potentially leading to legislative or non-legislative measures aimed at enhancing digital security across sectors, including online gambling.
EGBA has committed to continuing engagement throughout the process, advocating for strong, coherent policies that protect consumers while enabling legitimate market activity.