The United Kingdom could standardise its tax regime on online gambling, bringing the tax on sports betting (15%) into line with that on remote gaming (21%). The intention? To simplify administration. But for the Betting & Gaming Council (BGC), this measure conceals a threat: driving regular gamblers towards unauthorised sites.
In a firm move designed to protect its regulated market, Sweden has taken the decision to permanently ban Satoshi Gaming Group NV from operating in the country. The announcement was made by Spelinspektionen, the Swedish gaming regulator, in a statement highlighting repeated breaches of the legal framework.
In Germany, the regulation of online gambling is struggling to contain the growth of the black market. According to the 2023 report by the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), illegal financial flows account for between 2% and 4% of gross gaming sales (GGR), or €400-600 million. But statistics shared at Gaming in Holland 2025 show that 80% of revenues go to illegal operators.
In Belgium, illegal gambling platforms are growing in popularity, a worrying development that is causing concern among players in the sector. The Gaming Commission (GC) has confirmed the fears expressed for some time by the Belgian Association of Gaming Operators (BAGO): spontaneous visits to these unregulated sites are rising steadily.
The Dutch Gambling Regulatory Authority (KSA) has unveiled its ‘Regulator 2.0’ vision, promising greater cooperation with operators to combat the black market. However, it warns that persistent breaches of advertising rules could lead to a total ban on gambling ads.
The Gaming Commission (GC) updated its blacklist on 22 May 2025, adding nine new illegal online gambling sites.
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