Members of the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) reported a major uptick in their collective gross gaming revenue (GGR) for 2025, showcasing a 34% increase to €18 billion. This surge comes amidst a broader pattern of growth within the European online gambling market, as detailed in EGBA’s latest Annual Activity Report. The report highlights contributions from key members like Bet365, Entain, and LeoVegas, all of which collectively held 401 online licenses across 22 jurisdictions—a 25% rise from the previous year.
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Growth Across Sectors
The report reveals casino games accounted for 48% of total GGR, while sports betting contributed 46%. Poker and other categories, such as bingo and esports, rounded out the remaining 6%. Sports betting, notably, experienced a 49% boost in year-on-year GGR, reaching €8.2 billion, while the casino sector grew by 23% to €8.6 billion. The composition of sports bets showed pre-match betting at 63% and in-play at 37%. Meanwhile, the number of active customer accounts surged by 13%, hitting 43.8 million in 2025—a clear sign of the sector’s expanding reach.
Declining RTP Rate and Rising Margins
One contentious issue outlined in the report is the continuous decline in the return to player (RTP) rate, which fell to 93.4% in 2025 from 93.7% the year before. This trend has correlated with a slight increase in operating margins, now at 6.6%. Operators have been adjusting RTP to cope with higher gambling taxes and regulatory cost pressures—a move that some experts argue could reduce players’ lifetime value. Whether this strategy effectively balances the books remains an open question.
Sustainability Initiatives Take Center Stage
Sustainability featured prominently in EGBA’s agenda last year. A partnership with the European Advertising Standards Alliance (EASA) led to the launch of a Responsible Influencer Marketing Pledge. This initiative encourages stringent age checks and transparency in advertising—steps essential for protecting underage audiences. EGBA’s sustainability focus extended to the fifth annual European Safer Gambling Week, which saw enhanced participation, drawing 221 partners from 24 countries. For the first time, safer gambling messages appeared during live football broadcasts in several major European markets.
What’s Next for EGBA and its Members?
As the European online gambling sector continues to evolve, EGBA members are poised to tackle both opportunities and challenges in 2026. The association’s sustainability efforts and the changing regulatory market will likely shape the industry’s path forward. Meanwhile, the EGBA’s growth trajectory suggests that they will continue to influence the market in the coming years. The next annual activity report is expected in mid-2027, offering a fresh perspective on the industry’s progress.
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.
