The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has intensified its enforcement measures, revealing that geo-blocking and registrar actions are proving highly effective in disrupting illegal gambling activities. In its latest report, covering the fourth quarter ended 30 June, the regulator confirmed a record 321 website referrals for removal, 147 registrar and host notifications, and 145 cease-and-desist orders issued to unlicensed operators.
Of these, 214 websites were successfully removed from search engines, while 108 others were geo-blocked or ring-fenced to prevent access. The results reflect the UKGC’s strongest quarter yet in black market disruption, with engagement across targeted websites decreasing by an average of 32%.
The regulator’s findings underline that geo-blocking and registrar suspensions are more impactful than search engine removals, which only reduce visibility but don’t prevent access. Since April 2024, over 3,140 cease-and-desist notices and 447,000 URL referrals have been made, leading to nearly 288,000 removals from major search engines.
Looking ahead, the UKGC is strengthening collaborations with international regulators and payment providers such as Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal. It is also investing in machine-learning technology to identify illegal sites faster and automate disruption processes.
While illegal operators continue to adapt by rotating domains and embedding content within unrelated sites, the Commission remains confident that technological and cooperative advancements will sustain progress. The ultimate goal is to protect consumers, maintain market integrity, and ensure fair play within Britain’s regulated gambling ecosystem.
