Gaming Compliance International estimated that unregulated online gambling generated US$5.9 trillion in global betting value in 2025. Its analysis put the global online market at 78% unregulated and 22% regulated, and described a third category of products it calls unrecognised gaming.
The estimates frame the scale of activity outside licensed markets for regulators and licensed operators.
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Gaming Compliance International estimated that unregulated channels accounted for 69% of online stakes during the 2026 World Cup. Its study put total online wagering at $593bn, including $409bn through unregulated channels. GCI said 95% of the illegal streams it measured carried advertisements for unregulated gambling.
It was reported that Gaming Compliance International put African online gambling revenue at $23bn for 2025. The study attributed 77% to unregulated operators and 23% to licensed businesses.
Gaming Compliance International reported that regulated online gaming gross gaming revenue across Africa rose from $4.4bn in 2024 to $5.2bn in 2025. Its study estimated that unregulated operators generated $17.8bn in 2025, while 14% of the population, or 215 million people, interacted with online gaming. GCI chief executive Matt Holt said the data showed growth in regulated markets.
Regulated online gambling in Africa exceeded $5.2bn, citing Gaming Compliance International research. The report estimated that illegal activity retained a 77% share.
A report cited in a press account estimates that unregulated online gambling generated $5.9tn worldwide in 2025, up from $5.7tn in 2024. A separate estimate puts illegal operators at 17% of Europe’s online gambling market in 2024, with €80.6bn in gross gaming revenue; the report cautions that measurement methods differ.