Poland backs working group to combat EU exposure to illegal gambling
Poland, holding the EU Council Presidency since January 1, 2025, is advocating for enhanced collaboration among EU member states to combat illegal online gambling, which results in an estimated €7.2 billion in lost tax revenues across the Eurozone.
Recognizing the challenges posed by cross-border online gambling activities, Poland proposes the establishment of a dedicated working group under the European Commission. This group would comprise national experts focused on harmonizing regulations and enforcement practices to effectively address illegal gambling operations targeting EU consumers.
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) supports this initiative, emphasizing the need for cross-border cooperation to tackle illegal gambling activities.
However, the EU faces significant obstacles in developing harmonized laws and policies related to combating illegal online gambling. Previous judgments by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) have determined that gambling laws are primarily subject to national regulatory frameworks, granting EU governments the autonomy to design gambling laws outside the rules applied to the Single Market.
This initiative reflects Poland’s commitment to addressing the integrity and economic threats posed by illegal online gambling and underscores the importance of unified efforts to protect consumers and secure tax revenues within the EU.
