The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Gambling in Europe

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted Europe‘s gambling market, reshaping consumer behaviour, market structure, and regulatory priorities. Restrictions on land-based venues and the cancellation of major sporting events accelerated a shift to digital platforms, raising public health concerns.

METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of market-level quantitative data from the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) and H2 Gambling Capital to assess changes in the EU-27 and the United Kingdom between 2019 and 2029.

RESULTS: Land-based revenues fell sharply in 2020, while online gambling grew, particularly via mobile devices. Projections indicate that online gambling will approach half of Europe‘s total Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) by 2029.

CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 accelerated a lasting digital transformation of the European gambling industry, underscoring the need for comprehensive regulation, monitoring, and prevention strategies oriented toward public health.