The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has intensified its fight against unlicensed gambling, dismantling 264 illegal operators in the current financial year. This represents a jaw-dropping increase of over 1,000 percent compared to the previous year. The crackdown highlights the regulator’s determination to curb illegal gambling activities and safeguard the integrity of the UK’s gaming market.
Google Takes Down 64,000 Illegal URLs
During his address at the ICE World Regulatory Briefing in Barcelona, UKGC Chairman Andrew Rhodes revealed the scale of the crackdown. Over 102,000 URLs associated with unlicensed gambling activities were referred to Google, leading to the removal of 64,000 sites from search results.
The campaign extended beyond search engines. The Commission issued more than 770 cease and desist notices and disruption orders, including:
- 262 notices targeting gambling operators.
- 205 notices aimed at advertisers promoting unauthorized services.
Rhodes stated, “Our aim is to prevent the illegal market from operating at scale in Great Britain.” He stressed the importance of addressing the problem “upstream,” targeting hosting services, payment providers, software suppliers, and search engines.
Reinforced Enforcement Capabilities
Over the past two years, the UKGC has ramped up its enforcement resources, tackling illegal gambling operations with unprecedented vigour. Rhodes acknowledged the progress but highlighted that substantial challenges remain, requiring cooperation between regulators and industry stakeholders.
A significant discovery during investigations involved third-party resellers distributing games from licensed operators to unauthorized platforms. Such breaches of contractual agreements raised serious concerns about potential negligence within the industry.
Warning to Licensees
To prevent further breaches, the Commission issued stern warnings to operators about the importance of due diligence:
- Conduct comprehensive checks on suppliers and business partners.
- Ensure compliance monitoring to prevent unauthorized use of licensed gaming products.
Failure to comply, Rhodes warned, could result in severe penalties for licensees.
Focus on Illegal Sports Betting
The UKGC is also targeting the growing issue of illegal football betting. As sports wagering gains popularity, test purchasing and investigative efforts are underway to identify businesses enabling unlicensed operators.
Rhodes emphasized the need for vigilance, calling on operators to strengthen compliance measures. “We need the cooperation of the entire sector to prevent illegal gambling from gaining a foothold,” he stated.
Record Performance in the Regulated Market
Despite the challenges posed by unlicensed operations, the regulated gambling market in Great Britain is thriving. Recent gross gambling yield (GGY) figures showed record performance, with online slots activity leading the way.
Key highlights include:
- A 16 percent increase in GGY during the third quarter, reaching £1.32 billion ($1.63 billion).
- Online slots emerging as a primary driver of growth.
This surge reflects consumer confidence in the regulated market, bolstered by the UKGC’s efforts to ensure transparency and fairness.
The Commission’s ongoing work underscores its commitment to creating a safe, regulated environment for British gamblers. However, the battle against illegal operations is far from over, with both regulators and the industry urged to stay vigilant and proactive.
Leave a Reply