Why Britons Gamble on Illegal Gambling Sites: New Study

The UK Gambling Commission, together with the analytical company Yonder Consulting, presented its first detailed report on the illegal online gambling market. The main goal of the study is to understand the reasons why British players turn to the services of unlicensed platforms.

The report revealed a curious fact: many users simply do not see the difference between legal and illegal gambling sites. This indicates a low level of awareness among part of the audience.

Analysts have identified four main categories of players using the "gray" market:

• Players looking for workarounds: Those who have registered for self-exclusion on legal resources, but seek to continue playing by circumventing the bans.
• "Conscious" choice: Users who purposefully choose illegal sites for the sake of more favourable conditions, such as generous bonuses and the absence of strict limits.
• Influenced by advertising: A group of players who have learned about unlicensed platforms through social media or thematic forums.
• Unconscious users: Those who have no idea that they are playing on a resource that does not have an official license.

Most respondents admitted to combining playing on licensed and unlicensed sites. They named the following factors as the main incentives for moving to the "gray" zone:

• Bigger and more attractive bonuses.
• No strict restrictions on bets and deposits.
• Expanded selection of games and bets.
• Ability to make anonymous payments.

Among the most popular types of gambling used by players on illegal platforms, bets on football matches, online bingo, slot machines (slots) and other games are in the lead.

The commission said the findings will be used to develop educational campaigns aimed at raising public awareness of the risks of gambling on unlicensed sites. The next stage of the study is scheduled for the end of this year.