UKGC launches new black market gambling report series
Summary
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has published the first report in a planned series examining the illegal online gambling market in Great Britain. Produced with Yonder Consulting, the opening study looks at consumer behaviours, motivations and how players find and use unlicensed operators. The Commission says the research will help shape evidence-led action, build targeted awareness campaigns and guide further work through the Gambling Survey for Great Britain.
Key Points
- The UKGC released the first in a series of reports on the illegal online gambling market, focusing on consumer behaviour and motivations.
- Research was conducted with Yonder Consulting to map how players discover and engage with unlicensed sites.
- Four audience groups were identified: self-excluders, skilled advocates, social explorers and accidental tourists.
- Main drivers for using black market sites include better odds, promotions, access to games, alternative payment methods (including crypto) and bypassing ID or stake limits.
- Most users supplement licensed play with unlicensed sites rather than replace it entirely.
- There is a significant lack of consumer awareness about operator licensing and how to verify it, creating risk of being misled by seemingly legitimate sites.
- Demographics mirror the regulated market: younger men (18-24), frequent gamblers and those with higher Problem Gambling Severity Index scores are more likely to use unlicensed sites.
- The UKGC plans to expand the work via the Gambling Survey for Great Britain and to test how regulatory changes and awareness campaigns might shift behaviour.
- UKGC CEO Andrew Rhodes highlighted a ten-fold increase in disruption activity since April 2024 and signalled continued enforcement and partnership work.
Context and relevance
This research arrives amid growing regulatory scrutiny and industry debate about whether tighter rules push players towards the black market. For operators, regulators and harm-prevention bodies, the findings offer practical insight into who uses unlicensed sites and why — information that can influence enforcement priorities, public education and policy design. Tracking these trends is crucial as the UK refines rules around payments, verification and vulnerability checks.
Why should I read this?
Short answer: because it explains who’s using illegal sites and why — in plain terms. If you work in compliance, regulation, operator risk or player protection, this saves you poking through the full report first. You’ll get the sharp takeaways on motivations, demographics and where to focus enforcement or education.
Author style
Punchy: this is solid, evidence-driven intel from the regulator. If you care about market integrity or player safety, the detail matters — and the UKGC is signalling a mix of tougher disruption and public-facing work that could affect operators and policy quickly.
Source
Source: https://next.io/news/regulation/ukgc-black-market-gambling-report-series/