UK Study: Problem Gambling Rates Seven Times Higher on Black Market Sites

A new study from the UK Gambling Commission has found that rates of problem gambling are significantly higher among users of illegal, unlicensed gambling websites compared to those who gamble on regulated platforms. The research indicates that problem gambling is roughly seven times more prevalent on such black market sites.

According to the Gambling Commission, the findings highlight the dangers posed by unlicensed operators, which often lack the consumer protections and harm-minimisation measures required of legal license holders. The regulator has long warned that illegal sites undermine player safety and the integrity of the market.

The research comes as the UK government continues to review gambling legislation, with a focus on balancing consumer freedoms with protection from harm. The Commission has urged players to stick with licensed operators to ensure access to safer gambling tools and support services.

The study adds to a growing body of evidence showing that unregulated gambling environments expose users to greater risks of addiction and financial harm. The Gambling Commission has vowed to intensify efforts to disrupt illegal operators and educate the public about the dangers of using unlicensed sites.