Fincord Intelligence Report Details $50bn Illegal Online Gambling Market Targeting UK Self-Excluded Customers

A new report from Fincord Intelligence estimates the global illegal online gambling market generated around US$50bn in gross revenue in 2025. Illegal operators deliberately target British customers who have self-excluded or wish to avoid regulated market protections. These include Non-GamStop casinos that offer no identity checks, financial checks or betting limits.

Scale of Networks and Competitive Tactics

The report identifies around 5,000 operator structures that operate more than 15,000 websites and apps. Mirror domains, VPN access and browser-based applications enable blocked services to return rapidly. Customers are reached via search engines, social media, affiliates, influencers, Telegram and WhatsApp.

Illegal sites compete with bonuses of up to 300–500 per cent of deposits, higher advertised returns and faster payouts. Around 35 per cent of payments in the illegal sector use cryptocurrency. This proportion could exceed 70 per cent by 2030. Interpol’s SOGA X operation during Euro 2024 uncovered networks linked to more than US$5.1 billion in illicit proceeds across 28 countries.

The report presents analytical assessments from Ukrainian authorities that some gambling businesses associated with the Russian Federation may contribute to Russia’s economic interests, facilitate sanctions circumvention and create national security risks for Ukraine. These are not framed as judicial findings.

Infrastructure as the Enforcement Priority

A spokesperson for Fincord Intelligence said: “Illegal gambling is no longer a collection of isolated websites. It operates through sophisticated international networks of companies, payment providers, cryptocurrency services, technology platforms and affiliates.

“In Britain, these networks target customers – including people who have self-excluded – through social media, messaging platforms and mirror sites. The Ukraine case demonstrates how the same type of interconnected infrastructure can also create wider financial crime and national security risks.

“Governments must target the infrastructure that allows these illegal ecosystems to survive, rather than relying solely on blocking individual websites.”

Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “This report shows illegal gambling is no longer simply a regulatory issue. Illegal operators are deliberately targeting vulnerable customers in the UK, including people who have self-excluded, using social media, affiliates and messaging platforms to avoid the protections of the regulated market.

“The Government must step up its efforts to coordinate law enforcement, regulators, payment providers and technology companies to target the networks supporting these operators – not just individual websites.”

According to reporting by G3 Newswire, the report concludes that governments must target payment services, cryptocurrency intermediaries, affiliates, advertisers, software suppliers and hosting infrastructure.

Where Enforcement Falls Short

Website blocking alone has limited impact given the speed of mirror site deployment and alternative access methods. The competitive edge held by illegal operators through unrestricted bonuses and payouts directly disadvantages regulated providers. Coordinated action across the full support ecosystem is required to address both consumer protection gaps and the identified national security exposures.

Reporting: G3 Newswire

Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.