Gaps in the UK’s current gambling framework appear to be pushing more players toward the black market, as recent research suggests a growing number of Britons are turning to unregulated gambling sites—often as a direct consequence of the very regulations designed to protect them.
A new report from Deal Me Out (DMO), a harm-prevention organisation focused on gambling awareness, sheds light on the expanding scale of black market engagement in the UK. Drawing from personal testimonies and survey data, the report explores why individuals are being drawn to unlicensed operators and highlights the potential dangers they face in doing so.
Unsurprisingly, players using these illicit platforms frequently encounter exploitative behaviour. According to the study, 61% of respondents said they had money withheld or stolen when attempting to withdraw winnings—a sharp contrast to the secure and regulated processes offered by licensed operators.
Another revealing finding is that 67% of those who admitted to black market gambling had previously self-excluded through GAMSTOP, a national tool designed to block access to UK-licensed operators. Many of these individuals fall into the category of financially vulnerable—a group that recent UK regulatory changes have sought to protect.
Regulated online casinos like BetWright place a strong emphasis on player protection, offering responsible gambling tools such as deposit limits, self-exclusion features, and affordability checks. These safeguards are largely absent from black market sites, leaving players more exposed to harm.
One major concern raised in the report is the aggressive marketing tactics employed by unlicensed operators. Over 70% of respondents reported receiving daily emails and texts offering VIP incentives, with no ability to opt out—unlike in the regulated sector, where clear unsubscribe options are mandatory.
Perhaps most alarming is the role that influencers and online personalities are playing in promoting these illegal platforms. The report—produced jointly by DMO and Social Impact—found that 84% of reviewed content creators were endorsing black market gambling, with some amasseing millions of views. This digital promotion is helping illegal sites reach vast audiences, especially younger, more impressionable demographics.
Striking the right balance between licensed gambling operators and unregulated platforms has long posed a challenge for the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and other regulators—and that challenge shows no signs of easing. According to Deal Me Out (DMO), recent shifts in policy may have unintentionally increased the appeal of black market alternatives.
Measures such as banning autoplay features, restricting bonus buy options, and introducing stricter affordability checks were designed to protect players—particularly those at risk of harm. However, the report notes that many players view these restrictions as overbearing or overly controlling, with some describing them as a form of “nanny state” interference. For some, this has served as a catalyst to seek out less regulated, more permissive alternatives.
Black market operators, unbound by UKGC oversight, are able to offer unrestricted gameplay and avoid implementing any meaningful player protections. This creates an environment where individuals can wager far beyond their financial means, all while being exposed to unethical practices and lacking any form of support or accountability.
While the intent behind these new regulations was to curb gambling-related harm, the reality—according to DMO’s findings—is that they may have pushed more players into unsafe territory. The rise in black market activity appears to be a direct consequence of regulatory tightening, inadvertently putting vulnerable individuals at greater risk.
Ultimately, although consumer protection must remain a top priority, the current regulatory approach seems to have skewed the balance. Without a more tailored strategy that supports responsible gambling without alienating users, the gap between legal and illegal platforms may continue to widen.