Risk of problem gambling over seven times higher on illegal betting sites

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has published new research. According to the findings, players who use unlicensed and illegal betting sites are more than seven times as likely to gamble problematically compared with those who prefer licensed operators. 45 percent of players on illegal sites scored 8 or above on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). On licensed sites, this rate stayed at 6 percent.

A score of 8 or above on the PGSI indicates the highest risk category. The share of players scoring between 3 and 7 was measured at 17 percent among illegal users and 9 percent among licensed customers. The findings are based on an analysis of bank transactions recorded between July 2018 and July 2026.

The Commission stated clearly that this data does not prove that illegal betting leads to greater harm. According to the research, 91 percent of those who made repeat transactions with an illegal site also bet with licensed companies during the same period. The Commission argued that players did not leave the licensed market after turning to illegal sites, and that illegal betting has become embedded in their existing gambling habits.

The study examined 122 people who had at least two illegal transactions identified. The monthly average of these people's licensed transactions remained largely stable after their first illegal transactions. The previous month's average was 24.8 licensed transactions, while the following month this figure was 23.7.