Expert calls on UK Government to implement three-step plan to combat worrying rise in Black Market gambling

Following the recent publication of the Deal Me Out report into black market gambling in the United Kingdom, CasinoTopsOnline experts are calling for the Government to provide greater regulation, targeted education, and a social media clampdown to help protect gamblers.

What are the dangers of black market gambling? 

Casino expert Giuseppe Faraone, comments: “The growth of black market gambling activity in the United Kingdom is particularly threatening to the protection of Under-18s and also those at risk of addiction. The lack of adequate age verification risks providing an opportunity for underage gambling, something which can be extremely damaging to the health and wellbeing of teenagers, but also their parents or guardians.

According to the DMO’s research, Under-35s are more than twice as likely to be black market users. Those who are vulnerable to addiction are therefore also put at an increased risk by the black market, as the lack of regulation and safeguards contribute to predatory tactics, high stakes offers, and systems which fail to promote responsible gambling or deposit limits.

Another serious concern is the threat to user data and privacy. According to the DMO report, 61% of users experienced theft during withdrawal attempts—highlighting how the black market exposes individuals to significant risks, including identity theft, financial scams, and exploitation of sensitive personal information.

The black market is also a threat to the entirety of the gambling industry, with black market gambling associated with the likes of organised crime, but also contributing to a loss of revenue and earnings for legal betting outlets. A report by PWC previously found that over a 12-month period between 2018 and 2019, around £1.4 billion was staked on an unlicensed gambling operator.”

How can UK gamblers be better protected from the black market? 

Giuseppe Faraone, said: “As well as clamping down on the black market, CasinoTopsOnline believes that the UK Government should urgently provide better education, clampdown on influencer advertisement of black market products, and introduce more robust regulation related to Cryptocurrency.

Targeted education, particularly within Sixth Forms, Colleges and Universities, to warn vulnerable teenagers and young adults of the dangers and risks, could help reduce the rise in gambling on the black market, and better protect young people in the short-term.

Earlier this year, a Time2play report revealed that 9 in 10 online tipsters on X fail to meet the legal requirements for promoting responsible gambling.

In light of this, greater regulation to clampdown on social media influencers advertising black market gambling activity is required.

The DMO report found that a staggering 84% of influencers reviewed were actively promoting unlicensed gambling sites, and given their reach and appeal, safeguards and restrictions must therefore be introduced to protect users of all ages, but particularly younger gamblers. This could include enforcing stricter verification processes for affiliate marketers, clearer disclaimers, and tighter platform-level moderation of gambling content.

Regulation, laws and safeguards that adequately address the rise in cryptocurrency can also help to combat the black market, with the Betting and Gaming council report in September 2024, finding that up to £1.6 billion was staked in underground gambling venues.”