UKGC Argues People Are More Likely to Experience Gambling Harm in the UK

Key Points People who play at illegal gambling websites are more likely to experience gambling-related harm Illegal gambling does not necessary cause greater gambling harm, the UKGC's research notes This is one of the most comprehensive researches conducted by the UKGC, encompassing millions of banking transactions

Key Points

People who play at illegal gambling websites are more likely to experience gambling-related harm

Illegal gambling does not necessary cause greater gambling harm, the UKGC's research notes

This is one of the most comprehensive researches conducted by the UKGC, encompassing millions of banking transactions

Gamblers who engage with illegal gambling websites in the United Kingdom are seven times more likely to experience problem gambling, compared to only 6% of those who visit legal websites. This is the conclusion of new research by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).

illegal gambling websites in the United Kingdom are seven times more likely to experience problem gambling

UKGC Says People Gambling Illegally More Likely to Experience Harm – Illegal Gambling Does Not Cause More Harm Though

The regulator used the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), a standardized scale for assessing problem gambling severity, and was able to determine that people who visit gambling websites that are licensed outside the UK are far more likely to experience a number of problems that develop into pathological gambling behavior.

Problem Gambling Severity Index

and was able to determine that people who visit gambling websites that are licensed outside the UK are far more likely to experience a number of problems that develop into pathological gambling behavior

The research was massive, encompassing data from banking transactions recorded between July 2018 and July 2026, making it one of the most complete efforts to better understand gambling behavior. Interestingly, though, the research explicitly stopped short of saying that illegal gambling was directly linked to greater overall gambling harm.

encompassing data from banking transactions recorded between July 2018 and July 2026, making it one of the most complete efforts to better understand gambling behavior

The UKGC tried to better understand the patterns of gamblers who visited illegal gambling websites, with 91% of those also placing a wager with licensed companies. In addition, people who gambled with illegal gambling websites did not stop gambling with licensed platforms, the report noted.

visited illegal gambling websites, with 91% of those also placing a wager with licensed companies

In the research, the watchdog was able to identify 122 individuals and at least two who placed transactions with illegal gambling websites. Their deposits following the moment of detection remained stable in the months that followed.

the watchdog was able to identify 122 individuals and at least two who placed transactions with illegal gambling websites

The UKGC believes that illegal gambling websites are used alongside regulated gambling websites and are not necessarily replacing the local market, which begs the question: why is this happening?  In total, the UKGC analyzed 157.2 million banking transactions and estimated 38,000 individuals.

and are not necessarily replacing the local market, which begs the question: why is this happening

The Difficulty of Tracking Illegal Gambling Transactions

Out of these, around 3,426 transactions involved gambling, involving 179 individuals, the research noted. The UKGC had some difficulty pegging a specific transaction to an illegal gambling operator, but it used transaction codes to try and get a rough idea of who was spending and where.

However, this only exemplifies how hard it may be to trace illegal gambling transfers through a conventional payment method, such as a bank. The limitations are even more pronounced when cryptocurrencies are involved.

exemplifies how hard it may be to trace illegal gambling transfers through a conventional payment method

Nevertheless, the research offers a glimpse into what is going on with consumers in the United Kingdom and also helps identify areas of improvement. Understanding why people prefer illegal gambling websites in certain cases, without necessarily interrupting regular play, is a vital insight.

Understanding why people prefer illegal gambling websites in certain cases, without necessarily interrupting regular play, is a vital insight

This research will help guide public policy as well as inform the decision-making process in the UK at a time when the threat of the illegal gambling market is growing.

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