UK regulator goes after the money in illegal betting

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has announced that it will step up its "follow the money" approach in tackling the black market. On the first day of the first Illegal Gambling Awareness Week, operations director Sue Young said that those running illegal operations would be pursued and that their businesses and money would be targeted.

The commission said that between July and September 2026 it reported 7.7 million illegal gambling addresses to search engines. As a result of this process, 3 million addresses were removed from search results, and takedown action was started for 2,200 sites.

Taking down sites will remain an important part of the strategy. However, the commission said it will extend its focus beyond websites. The target will be the money, assets and business models that keep these platforms running. Young said payment flows would be disrupted, advertising would be blocked, and operators would be prevented from obtaining gaming and sports betting content.

The commission said that since January it has passed more than £40 million in suspected criminal proceeds to partner agencies for asset freezing. It also noted that it is continuing to work with law enforcement to seize cash from physical illegal businesses. The commission said that so far in the 2026/27 period, 1,000 cease and desist notices have been sent.