DATA.BET Report Highlights EU Sportsbook Pressures

DATA.BET has released its latest annual sportsbook report, outlining how rising taxation and tightening regulations across Europe are reshaping operator strategies ahead of 2026. The findings suggest that many sportsbook operators are being forced to rethink where and how they operate as compliance costs and financial pressures increase.

The report, which reviews performance across DATA.BET’s esports, sports and virtual betting verticals, highlights key market trends alongside the company’s own results for 2025. Among the headline figures is a reported 23% increase in client activity across its partner network during the year.

According to the supplier, regulatory and tax developments remain one of the most significant challenges facing operators. Across Europe, tax rates vary widely, creating added complexity for businesses operating in multiple jurisdictions. Recent changes in markets such as Italy and the Netherlands have further increased costs, contributing to a more demanding operating environment.

The report also points to evolving demand within esports betting. Operators are showing growing interest in lower-tier competitions, with events such as semi-professional Valorant matches attracting higher engagement. DATA.BET noted that League of Legends saw a sharp rise in popularity on its platform, with betting turnover increasing significantly year-on-year, while interest in player-focused markets also expanded.

In 2025, DATA.BET broadened its offering to include traditional sports betting, now covering tens of thousands of events each month across a wide range of disciplines. As a result, this year’s report is the first to combine performance data from esports, sports and virtual betting into a single overview.

Overall, the publication positions itself as a resource for operators evaluating sportsbook opportunities in 2026, particularly as market conditions across Europe continue to evolve under increasing regulatory pressure.