Illegal online gambling networks are increasingly targeting customers in the UK who have chosen self-exclusion or want to avoid the restrictions applied by regulated operators, according to a new industry report.

The report estimates that the global illegal online gambling market generated around US$50 billion in gross revenue in 2025. It outlines how operators use cryptocurrency payments, digital advertising channels and mirror websites to continue reaching customers despite enforcement efforts.

The research identified so-called “Non-GamStop” casinos promoted to people who have registered with GAMSTOP, the UK self-exclusion scheme. These platforms often advertise fewer restrictions, including the absence of identity verification, financial checks and betting limits.

Customers are directed to these services through search engines, social media platforms, affiliate websites, influencers, Telegram channels and WhatsApp groups.

Global Illegal Market Uses Complex Networks

The report estimates that around 5,000 operator structures controlled more than 15,000 websites and applications connected to illegal gambling activity. Operators use mirror domains, VPN access and browser-based platforms to restore access when websites face blocking measures.

The findings state that enforcement efforts focused only on individual websites are insufficient because illegal gambling businesses operate through wider networks involving payment providers, cryptocurrency services, affiliates, advertisers, software companies and hosting infrastructure.

A spokesperson for Fincord Intelligence said:

“Illegal gambling is no longer a collection of isolated websites. It operates through sophisticated international networks of companies, payment providers, cryptocurrency services, technology platforms and affiliates.

“In Britain, these networks target customers – including people who have self-excluded – through social media, messaging platforms and mirror sites. The Ukraine case demonstrates how the same type of interconnected infrastructure can also create wider financial crime and national security risks.

“Governments must target the infrastructure that allows these illegal ecosystems to survive, rather than relying solely on blocking individual websites.”

The report also referenced assessments from Ukrainian authorities concerning gambling businesses linked to the Russian Federation. Those assessments stated that some operators may contribute directly or indirectly to Russia’s economic interests, support sanctions circumvention and create wider national security concerns. The report presented these as analytical assessments rather than legal findings.

UK Regulators Call For Coordinated Action

The Betting and Gaming Council highlighted the findings and warned that illegal operators are specifically seeking customers who are excluded from regulated gambling services.

Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), said in a press release:

“This report shows illegal gambling is no longer simply a regulatory issue.

“Illegal operators are deliberately targeting vulnerable customers in the UK, including people who have self-excluded, using social media, affiliates and messaging platforms to avoid the protections of the regulated market.

“The Government must step up its efforts to coordinate law enforcement, regulators, payment providers and technology companies to target the networks supporting these operators – not just individual websites.”

The report found that illegal operators compete by offering fewer restrictions, including advertised deposit bonuses between 300% and 500%, higher advertised returns and faster payouts than those generally available through regulated operators.

It also noted that cryptocurrency has become an important payment method within the sector. Around 35% of payments in illegal gambling are currently estimated to involve cryptocurrency, with the report suggesting this share could exceed 70% by 2030.

European Illegal Gambling Market Expands

Separate research commissioned by Euromat found that Europe’s illegal online gambling market has grown significantly since 2019. The study estimated that the market reached €12 billion in net revenue in 2025, representing around 25% of the wider sector.

The research examined 28 European online gambling markets, including EU member states excluding Malta and Luxembourg, along with the UK, Serbia and Montenegro.

Filip Jelavić, owner and project lead at Helios, said:

“It’s clear that online gambling black markets don’t happen by accident but instead are the result of government policies that create consumer friction.”

He added that limited consumer choice, regulatory restrictions and intervention measures could influence the growth of illegal alternatives.

The study also highlighted the role of cryptocurrencies in helping some operators develop alternative payment methods and avoid regulatory controls.

“The traffic analysis that we’ve undertaken shows that the rapid growth of crypto currencies has been key to building many of these businesses in terms of product differentiation and regulatory workarounds,” Jelavić said.

“Furthermore, very few European online gambling jurisdictions have established a working solution for allowing consumers to use cryptocurrencies to gamble legally, creating both a ‘push’ from crypto consumers as well as a ‘pull’ from crypto ecosystems avoiding scrutiny.

“For the ‘long-tail’ of sites, affiliate businesses provide a cost-effective means of recruiting players that is very difficult to enforce against even when laws are in place.”

The report also referenced Interpol’s SOGA X operation during Euro 2024, which uncovered networks connected to more than US$5.1 billion in illicit proceeds and related transactions across 28 countries.