The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has provided evidence to the European Commission’s recent call for evidence on its upcoming EU Action Plan on Fighting Online Fraud – an initiative to reduce online fraud across different economic sectors in the EU through strengthened coordination and cross-border cooperation. The submission urges coordinated EU action to tackle fraudulent gambling sites and apps that exploit the reputation of legitimate operators.

Supported by documented evidence, the submission highlights how fraudsters systematically impersonate licensed gambling operators to deceive consumers across Europe. The evidence includes examples of fraudulent websites using domain names that mimic or closely resemble legitimate operators, illegal gambling apps distributed through Google Play and Apple App Store, phishing campaigns impersonating licensed brands and social media advertising that drives users towards real-money apps, based outside of the EU, that are disguised as games.

These types of fraud expose players to risks of identity theft, financial loss and unsafe gambling environments where well-established safeguards offered by regulated operators, like self-exclusion, do not exist. EGBA members report that across Europe fraudulent domains and applications frequently reappear shortly after takedown, creating ongoing consumer exposure despite continuous monitoring, takedown notifications and repeated enforcement actions.

Illegal operators now capture an estimated 27% (worth approximately €18 billion) of Europe’s total online gambling market gross gaming revenue in 2025. The submission addresses the risks posed by offshore operators, based outside the EU, who deliberately increase consumer risk by falsely claiming to hold gambling licenses granted by countries in the EU, misrepresenting their regulatory status and disguising gambling products as games. These fraud patterns are closely linked to the rapid expansion of unregulated illegal platforms in Europe that threaten both consumers and legitimate operators.

The Commission’s Action Plan on Fighting Online Fraud is planned for adoption in the second quarter of 2026.

Dr Ekaterina Hartmann, Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs at EGBA, said: “The evidence we’ve gathered shows how fraudsters are systematically exploiting the trust consumers place in the licensed gambling environment, putting European consumers at risk and allowing the illegal online gambling market to grow. From fake websites and fraudulent apps to phishing campaigns and social media scams, these threats reappear as quickly as they’re taken down. Fragmented national approaches to these types of fraud are not enough – we need coordinated EU-level action to ensure consumers and legitimate operators aren’t left fighting an uphill battle against fraud.”

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The Swedish government has appointed Peter Knutsson as the Director General of the Swedish Gambling Authority. The appointment will run until 31 August 2032.

Peter Knutsson most recently came from the role of Advertising Ombudsman and will take up his position as Director General on 17 August 2026.

Peter Knutsson took office as Advertising Ombudsman in August 2024, and was previously Head of Unit at the Ministry of Finance. He has over 20 years of experience as a manager and leader and has a background as a lawyer, with solid knowledge of consumer issues and consumer legislation. Peter Knutsson has previously worked for the European Commission and as an advisor to the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority.

“With the solid experience Peter Knutsson has from, among other things, the Ministry of Finance, consumer affairs and most recently the Advertising Ombudsman, this will be very good for the authority,” said Spelinspektionen’s Chairwoman Madelaine Tunudd.

“I welcome the government’s decision on a new Director General for the Swedish Gambling Authority and will ensure that Peter Knutsson receives a good introduction in my handover as acting Director General,” said Johan Röhr at the Swedish Gambling Authority.

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