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Unlawful gambling platforms under investigation following recent report released by UK Gambling Commission, prompting immediate action.

Illegality of unregistered gambling sites remains unclear for many players; calls for increased public awareness, rigorous surveillance, and effective dismantling.

Illegal Gambling Websites under Scrutiny in the UK Following Recent Report
Illegal Gambling Websites under Scrutiny in the UK Following Recent Report

Unlawful gambling platforms under investigation following recent report released by UK Gambling Commission, prompting immediate action.

In a bid to combat the rising issue of illegal online gambling, the Gambling Commission has stepped up its efforts, reporting a ten-fold increase in disruption activity since April 2024.

According to the Commission's latest findings, men aged 18-24 make up the highest proportion of users on these unlawful platforms. However, the four main groups of players who frequently engage in such activities are yet to be explicitly identified in the provided search results.

One of the key concerns is the use of alternative payment systems by unlicensed websites. These platforms often process transactions through channels that are not regulated, posing a significant risk to consumers energy.

Professor Rhodes, an expert in the field, emphasises the importance of understanding the illegal market's intricacies to effectively combat it. He states that a deep and broad understanding is crucial for combating this issue.

The most common activities on these illegal platforms include football betting, slots, bingo, and virtual games. Interestingly, those with higher Problem Gambling Severity Index scores also show a higher usage of such platforms.

To address these concerns, the Commission has proposed several measures. These include closer monitoring of payments, affiliates, and advertising. They also recommend better consumer education to help players identify licensed sites, ongoing research to track usage trends and adapt policy, and targeted campaigns aimed at different user groups.

The Commission is also collaborating with partners to cut off access of illegal sites to UK consumers. They are particularly concerned about the promotion of these platforms through affiliates, influencers, or cross-border advertising.

In light of these developments, the Gambling Commission urges consumers to be vigilant and only engage with licensed sites to ensure their safety and protect themselves from potential fraud.

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