BGC Highlights $50 Billion Global Illegal Gambling Market

The global illegal online gambling market generated approximately $50 billion in gross revenue during 2025, according to research from Fincord Intelligence highlighted by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC).

The report estimates that around 5,000 operator structures used more than 15,000 websites and apps to reach consumers during the year. Researchers said illegal operators are increasingly using cryptocurrency, mirror domains, VPN access and browser-based applications to circumvent enforcement measures and quickly restore access to blocked services.

Illegal Operators Target Self-Excluded Players

Fincord raised particular concerns over illegal gambling businesses deliberately marketing their services to consumers who have self-excluded from licensed operators.

In the UK, so-called “Non-GamStop” casinos advertise specifically to consumers registered with GamStop, allowing them to bypass the national self-exclusion scheme. The report said illegal operators use search engines, social media, affiliates, influencers and messaging platforms including Telegram and WhatsApp to reach potential customers.

Researchers also found that illegal sites compete with regulated operators by offering products without equivalent restrictions, including deposit bonuses of up to 500% and faster withdrawals.

Cryptocurrency has also become an important payment method within the illegal market. Fincord estimated that approximately 35% of payments on unlicensed gambling sites are currently made using cryptocurrency, with the proportion potentially increasing to 70% by 2030.

Fincord Calls For Action Against Illegal Gambling Infrastructure

The Ukraine-based intelligence company also raised concerns over alleged connections between some illegal gambling operations and Russia, warning that certain businesses could directly or indirectly contribute to Russian economic interests.

Fincord argued that governments should focus enforcement efforts on the wider infrastructure supporting illegal gambling networks rather than relying primarily on blocking individual domains. This could include targeting payment providers, cryptocurrency intermediaries, affiliates, advertisers, software suppliers and hosting services.

“Illegal gambling is no longer a collection of isolated websites,” a Fincord spokesperson said. “Governments must target the infrastructure that allows these illegal ecosystems to survive, rather than relying solely on blocking individual websites.”

BGC Urges Greater Government Coordination

BGC CEO Grainne Hurst said the findings demonstrated the potential risks posed to British consumers by illegal operators, particularly those deliberately targeting people who have previously self-excluded from gambling.

“This report shows illegal gambling is no longer simply a regulatory issue,” Hurst said. “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 findings add to calls from the regulated gambling industry for enforcement strategies to focus on the broader networks enabling illegal operators to reach consumers, process payments and rapidly re-establish services following attempts to block their websites.