Promotion of unlicensed online gambling services by content creators

Question for written answer E-001475/2026
to the Commission
Rule 144
Sabine Verheyen (PPE)

A 2024 study conducted by Yield Sec on behalf of the European Casino Association found that 71 % of online gambling activity targeting European users takes place on unlicensed, and thus illegal, websites. At the same time, the overall use of online gambling in the EU has continued to increase. Recent reports further indicate that illegal gambling websites are frequently promoted by content creators, particularly on video platforms such as YouTube and Twitch.

Such promotion is often carried out through affiliate links, enabling content creators to receive a percentage or fixed payment for each new player they bring on board. The users reached through such promotional activities are often young and potentially vulnerable.

Content that promotes unlicensed online gambling services is illegal and should therefore be removed by online platforms in accordance with the Digital Services Act[1]. Nevertheless, a significant amount of such promotional content appears to remain available online.

• 1.Is the Commission aware of the active promotion, by online content creators in the EU, of unlicensed online gambling services?
• 2.Does the Commission intend to investigate the issue further?
• 3.What steps is the Commission taking to ensure the more effective enforcement of the Digital Services Act?

Submitted: 11.4.2026

• [1] Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market For Digital Services and amending Directive 2000/31/EC (Digital Services Act) (OJ L 277, 27.10.2022, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/2065/oj).