New Gambling Commission Study Reveals Who is Playing at Illegal Casinos
The multi-phase study found that many players are not even aware when they are using an illegal site, with the first phase focused on identifying awareness levels among users.
The Gambling Commission has published new research, carried out with Yonder Consulting, to understand who is gambling on unlicensed websites in the UK and why.
The multi-phase study found that many players are not even aware when they are using an illegal site, with the first phase focused on identifying awareness levels among users.
Four Key Player Types
The research identified four distinct groups of players engaging with illegal casinos:
Self-Excluders – those deliberately turning to unlicensed sites after banning themselves from regulated platforms.
Skilled Advocates – players who knowingly use illegal sites to access new skills, digital currencies, or products not available in the UK.
Social Explorers – users introduced through social networks, forums, or friends.
Accidental Tourists – those who do not realise they are on an illegal platform at all.
“These audiences have varying awareness levels of engagement with illegal websites, different entry pathways into the websites, and motivations for using them,” the report noted.
Why Players Choose Illegal Sites
Most users — excluding Self-Excluders — said they still gamble on regulated platforms as well as illegal ones, suggesting the unlicensed market is often used as a supplement rather than a replacement.
The most common reasons given for using illegal casinos included:
Bigger promotions and bonuses
Games unavailable in the UK
No stake or spending limits
Avoiding KYC checks
Access to alternative payment methods, including crypto
Football betting emerged as the most popular product, followed by online bingo, slots and fruit games, and virtual gaming. The prominence of bingo was flagged as a notable finding.
No Strong Demographic Patterns
The study found no significant demographic differences among those using illegal casinos, though gambling overall — legal and illegal — remains more popular with men than women.
What’s Next
The Commission said the four groups identified in the research could help shape targeted awareness and education campaigns in the future.
Illegal gambling remains a focus area for regulators, with concerns over consumer protection and the financial impact of unlicensed sites on the wider market.
