The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has published the first in a series of reports examining the illegal online gambling market in Great Britain. Developed in partnership with Yonder Consulting, the research provides new insights into who uses unlicensed operators, their motivations, and the potential risks posed to consumers.
The study categorises players into four groups. “Self-excluders” are those who have registered with schemes such as Gamstop but continue gambling via unlicensed platforms. “Skilled advocates” intentionally seek out black market sites, often attracted by cryptocurrency options, fewer restrictions, or access to exclusive games. “Social explorers” are introduced by friends or communities, while “accidental tourists” stumble upon illegal websites through advertising or search engines, often without realising the lack of regulation.
The report highlights a troubling gap in consumer awareness, as many respondents struggled to identify which platforms were licensed in Great Britain. While most believe operators should hold a licence, a lack of understanding leaves them vulnerable to exploitation. Despite this, most participants reported continued engagement with licensed platforms, using unregulated sites as a supplement rather than a replacement.
According to UKGC CEO Andrew Rhodes, disruption activity against illegal operators has increased ten-fold since April 2024, reflecting the Commission’s commitment to protecting consumers and strengthening confidence in the regulated sector.
Future reports will expand on these findings through the Gambling Survey for Great Britain, offering ongoing data to monitor trends. Planned initiatives include exploring how regulatory changes affect behaviour and developing targeted awareness campaigns to steer players toward licensed platforms.
