Illicit Crypto Gambling Platforms Circumventing UK's Gambling Exclusion Measures
The UK government is grappling with a growing concern as the illegal gambling market continues to thrive, with operators actively seeking to evade regulations by promoting "casinos not on GAMSTOP." This alarming trend has been highlighted by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), who have warned about an increase in illegal gambling websites operating within the country.
In a recent survey, at least 28% of regular gamblers expressed their intention to switch to illegal operators if a proposed tax increase were to be implemented. This shift could potentially exacerbate the issue, as these illegal operators often lack the necessary regulations and safeguards that protect consumers.
One of the primary factors fueling this underground gambling market is the population of self-excluded gamblers registered on GAMSTOP. These individuals, seeking a way around their self-imposed restrictions, are being targeted by these illegal operators. The use of cryptocurrency by these websites further complicates efforts to detect and curb illegal activities.
The BGC's survey revealed that 29% of respondents were unsure if they could distinguish between regulated and unregulated operators, which could unintentionally contribute to the growth of the illegal market. Furthermore, affiliate companies are promoting services such as "websites not on GAMSTOP" within the UK.
Derek Webb, Founder of the Campaign for Fairer Gambling, argues that the illegal gambling market competes in a different arena, specifically targeting those who have self-excluded and are seeking "casinos not on GAMSTOP." On the other hand, no legitimate organization promotes offshore and unauthorized gambling operators through the revenue of players enrolled in the GAMSTOP self-exclusion program.
Grainne Hurst, CEO of the BGC, stated that the current tax and regulation imbalance favors the black market, where operators pay no tax and offer no safer gambling protections. This imbalance has allowed the illegal gambling market's share of the total industry in the UK to grow significantly, from 0.43% in 2020 to around 9% through the use of "not on GAMSTOP" keyword targeting.
A recent survey by Yield Sec indicated that approximately GBP 583 million is wagered illegally in the UK alone. A significant portion of this illegal gambling is driven by a large population of self-excluded gamblers, according to Yield Sec and the BGC.
It is worth noting that mainstream consumers have no reason to use illegal gambling operators, as they are too expensive to operate locally. However, the allure of unregulated platforms, coupled with a lack of awareness about the risks involved, could potentially attract unsuspecting consumers.
This issue requires immediate attention from regulators and industry stakeholders to ensure the safety and protection of consumers. Education about the risks associated with illegal gambling, along with stricter regulations and enforcement, are crucial steps in addressing this growing concern.
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