Europe’s Gambling Market Is Changing Fast — Here’s How It Affects You
It seems like there is a new era of online gambling in Europe. If you are an avid online casino player, you might have noticed it, too.
It’s obvious from more players around us placing bets on mobile devices or spinning slots online. There is one simple explanation for that uptick in gamers. Wagering online in the EU is booming, and it’s not just a shiny trend that will fizzle in a few months. We are witnessing a shift in how people play.
The reality is that since the pandemic, more players have been trading offline gambling and brick-and-mortar casinos for online casino lobbies. The type of content is not the deciding point. From sports betting to online slots and mobile bingo, placing wagers online has become more accessible and flexible. It is also so much more fun to bet and win from the comfort of one’s couch as opposed to commuting to a casino.
We are now curious to take a closer look at this transformation and dissect it. What types of games are the priority among players these days? Which countries are leading in terms of gambling aficionados? More importantly, what does it all mean for regular online players like us?
We’ve taken all the heavy research data and are now ready to lay it out in simple terms. Our team is ready to look at what’s changing and what the prognosis is for the modern EU gambling market. All of this is sprinkled with facts, trends, and tips to keep you in the loop.
The EU Gambling Market Up Close
The EU market, although already huge, has not yet reached its ceiling — it is still growing. Total gambling revenue across the continent is now well over €120 billion annually. The reality is that the cornerstone of the industry is still offline — it is land-based casinos and betting shops that still bring in more money overall, but online casinos are catching up faster than ever.
To bring it to clear numbers, online gambling contributes up to 39% to the overall gambling revenue across the EU markets. The upward trend is very obvious, as just about a year prior, online gambling contributed 37%. Therefore, those looking into the future are suggesting that online games of chance and betting could earn around 45% of the total market in the upcoming five years. At the same time, the share of revenue brought by offline casinos steadily declines — from 63% to 61% in a year, with an even bigger dip coming in the next five years.
To put it simply, players are changing their habits. These days, they choose not to commute to casinos or betting shops to place bets. They are logging into their virtual accounts and wagering money online instead. The benefits of this behaviour change are obvious. For players, this means more flexibility and better access to more content. Whether you're into sports betting, casino games, or lotteries, chances are there’s a polished online version of your favorite activity waiting for you. And with this much money flowing into digital platforms, the experience is only going to get better.
What’s Driving Online Gambling Growth?
One of the biggest drivers is mobile use. Right now, 58%of all online gambling revenue in Europe comes from mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. That number is expected to climb to 67% in the next five years. On the flip side, desktop gambling is steadily declining — from 42% today to just 33% shortly.
It makes sense. Players want flexibility. With mobile betting, you can place a wager during your coffee break, spin a few slots on the couch, or play a quick round of poker while waiting for a train. There's no need to plan a night out — everything you need is in your pocket.
Another reason for the shift is the overall improvement in online gambling platforms. Websites are faster, easier to navigate, and designed to work smoothly on smaller screens. Many online operators also offer features like live chat, easy deposits, fast withdrawals, and customized game suggestions, all aimed at keeping players engaged.
Finally, let’s not forget the long-lasting effects of the pandemic. Even after restrictions eased, a lot of players stuck with the online experience. What started as a temporary shift turned into a long-term preference.
For today’s European gambler, online play isn’t just a backup. It has become the go-to choice.
Which Online Gambling Products Are Trending?
Although the overall numbers show the EU as a united front, not everything is as cohesive from country to country at a closer glance. Across the continent, gamblers are showing up at online lobbies for different reasons and different games, and we are curious to examine these differences.
The biggest leader in bringing in revenues is casino games, which bring in around 21.5 billion EUR a year. By casino games, we mean slot machines, blackjack tables, roulette, and the booming live dealer industry. Many online lobbies are now built around this category of casino entertainment: these games are fast, diverse, and regularly innovated. They keep the excitement alive.
Following slots in terms of popularity are online betting — sports and events betting. This sector generates up to 14 billion EUR in annual revenue. Sports betting is especially popular in countries that prioritize football, tennis, or racing above other disciplines. Sports betting is also very immersive because betting odds are updated in real time, and many virtual lobbies allow bets mid-game, adding to convenience and excitement.
Lottery games come third, earning around 7 billion EUR yearly. Traditionally, lotteries are considered an offline type of entertainment, but these days, digital products are gaining traction, and experts predict that this segment of the market will grow with a projected annual rate of 7.7%. This growth may even outpace slots and sports betting with time.
Then there are the niche favorites — poker and bingo. These aren’t the biggest categories, but they’re steady, with loyal player bases and a presence on most platforms. Bingo, for example, makes up 22% of online gambling revenue in Belgium, while poker accounts for 13% in France.
National preferences also shape what’s hot where:
- Casino games dominate in Malta (73%), Estonia (72%), and Latvia (63%).
- Sports betting takes the lead in Cyprus (74%) and Slovakia (64%).
- Lottery is especially strong in Germany (37%) and Denmark (26%).
In some countries, like France and Cyprus, online casino games are banned. This explains their low official numbers — players there may still play at offshore sites, but that revenue isn’t counted in national stats.
The result is a highly diverse market, shaped by both what players want and what local laws allow.
Is Mobile Gaming Taking Over?
If you’re playing online these days, chances are you’re doing it on your phone. Mobile gambling has taken over as the main way people in Europe place bets, spin slots, and check their odds. It’s fast, flexible, and fits into everyday life.
Right now, mobile devices account for 58% of all online gambling revenue in Europe. And this trend isn’t slowing down. In the next five years, that number is expected to climb to 67%, making mobile the dominant force in digital gambling.
Why the shift? It’s simple. Players want freedom. Whether you’re commuting, relaxing on the couch, or killing time in a queue, your phone gives you instant access to your favorite games. There’s no need to sit down at a desktop or open a laptop anymore.
Online platforms are also making it easier to play on mobile. Menus are cleaner, games load faster, and most features — like depositing, withdrawing, or chatting with live dealers — are fully mobile-friendly. Many sites even offer special mobile-only promotions or smoother gameplay on their apps.
For players, this means gambling can be part of everyday moments, not just something reserved for evenings or weekends. The experience has shifted from a scheduled activity to something more spontaneous and accessible. If you’ve got a phone and a few spare minutes, you’ve got a casino in your pocket.
Regulations and Local Laws Still Matter
Like we mentioned before, the EU market presents a united front when it comes to the overall growth tendencies, but a market-to-market close-up shows very different tendencies. Much of it has to do with the local rules and regulations. In Europe, they are not similar from one country to another, and these differences directly affect the content and services that players can access.
For example, in France, online casino games are currently not allowed under national law. That’s why official numbers for casino activity in this country are low. But that doesn’t mean players aren’t playing. Many still visit offshore platforms, which aren’t based in their home country and often operate in a legal grey area.
Other countries take a more open approach. Malta, Estonia, and Latvia, for instance, have strong local frameworks that allow a wide range of games, and it shows. In these countries, casino games account for over 60% of online gambling revenue.
Local regulation also impacts trust and safety. In markets where gambling is well-regulated, licensed platforms are required to meet standards that protect players, like responsible gambling tools, age verification, and secure transactions. In less regulated or offshore markets, those safeguards might not be in place.
That’s why players need to know the rules in their country. Sticking with licensed sites in your region can make all the difference. You’ll get access to games that are approved by law, plus better protection if anything goes wrong. The bottom line is that where you live shapes how and where you can play, so it pays to be informed.
What to Expect in the Next 5 Years?
The way Europe gambles online is evolving, and the next few years are intriguing, as we are sure they will bring an even bigger change. If you're an active player or thinking about joining the action, it’s worth knowing what’s coming.
First, online gambling will continue to grow across almost every product category. Casino games and sports betting are expected to keep rising steadily, each growing around 7% a year. Lottery, while smaller online, is predicted to grow even faster thanks to national providers moving into the digital space.
Mobile gambling will dominate even more. As phones become faster and apps more advanced, the shift from desktop to mobile will keep accelerating. In just a few years, two-thirds of all online gambling revenue in Europe will likely come from mobile play.
We’ll also see smarter platforms. These will offer personalized experiences and better game variety. Many sites will lean into live gaming, social features, and gamified rewards to keep players engaged.
Meanwhile, regulation will keep shaping the market. Some countries may loosen restrictions, while others might tighten them. Players should expect platforms to become more transparent and safety-focused, especially as governments focus on responsible gambling.
In short, the next five years will bring more access, better tech, and higher expectations. It’s a good time to be a player if you stay informed and stick to safe platforms. With more choice comes more responsibility. The best thing you can do is stay informed and enjoy the benefits of a growing, player-focused market. This isn’t just the future of gambling — it’s the present. And it’s already in your pocket.
