UK Gambling Commission wraps up its research series on illegal online gambling

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The UK Gambling Commission has concluded its comprehensive four-part research series dedicated to understanding and disrupting illegal online gambling. The extensive project, initiated earlier this year, aimed to enhance clarity regarding consumer engagement with non-regulated sites, the associated risks, and the strategies necessary for effective disruption.

The final report in the series, titled "Estimating the size of the illegal online gambling market," addresses the inherently difficult task of quantifying an activity that is intentionally hidden. The Commission notes that while an accurate measure is vital for effective enforcement and policy-making — particularly for protecting the numerous online casino players in the United Kingdom — the lack of reliable data and the necessity for assumptions mean that confidence in any single financial estimate must remain constrained. The report explicitly did not publish a single estimate of the market size, drawing parallels to the challenges government departments face when tracking other illicit activities, such as the trade in illegal tobacco.

Despite the methodological difficulty in sizing the market, the UKGC's work has successfully established a stronger evidence base regarding both consumer behavior and illegal operator tactics. Key findings across the four reports indicate that motivations for using illegal sites are varied, with no single dominant driver. Furthermore, the research found that some consumers are completely unaware they are gambling illegally, underscoring the pressing need for enhanced public awareness campaigns. It was also noted that not all activity in the illegal market represents a direct loss to the regulated sector, as many engaging illegally are individuals who are self-excluded or otherwise prohibited from accessing online casinos licensed in the United Kingdom. Crucially, the Commission found no evidence to suggest a sustained, long-term growth in engagement with illegal websites where data collection has been possible.

Chief Executive, Andrew Rhodes, underscored the ongoing threat: “Illegal online gambling remains a serious threat to consumers and to the integrity of the regulated market. While measuring the full scale of the problem is complex, our understanding is growing — and so too is our ability to disrupt illegal operators.”

The Commission emphasizes that disrupting the illegal market is a shared responsibility, demanding a coordinated response. Future success will depend on continued, cross-sector collaboration involving government bodies, the regulated industry, digital platforms, and financial services to monitor, measure, and enforce action against these operators. The UKGC confirms it will continue its dedicated program of research and enforcement activity as part of this key strategic priority.