UK Gambling Black Market Nears 10% Market Share, Campaign for Fairer Gambling Warns
The Campaign for Fairer Gambling (CFG) has released a new report revealing that offshore gambling companies now possess approximately 9% of the UK gaming market. This alarming finding is drawn from data collected during the first half of 2025, highlighting a significant surge in illegal gambling activity across the nation.
Illegal Streaming Overshadows Major Sporting Events
According to the report titled “CFG GB National 2024 and 2025 First Half Illegal Streaming of Sports Events and Illegal Gambling,” part of the broader CFG GB National 2024 and 2025 First Half Report, the CFG presented key insights into the extent of illegal online gambling in the UK. Data sourced from Yield Sac and obtained through Gaming Compliance International (GCI) indicates a high volume of illicit streams.
In 2024, there were over 3.1 billion illegal stream views exceeding 90 seconds across the UK’s top ten sports, with the first half of 2025 alone reaching 1.6 billion such views. These unauthorized streams are deeply concerning, not just for their scale but for their associated risks.
A staggering 89% of these illegal sports streams contained malicious software, including malware, spyware, and keystroke loggers, placing viewers at serious risk of identity theft and data breaches. Beyond endangering audiences, these streams also undermine legitimate broadcasting networks.
The Cycle of Crime Fueling Illegal Gambling
Further analysis by GCI reveals that 89% of the illegal sports streams promote unlicensed gambling platforms. These platforms are notorious for exploiting vulnerable populations, including minors and self-excluded individuals. The report stresses that the profitability of illegal streams fuels further criminal activity.
Derek Webb, the founder and financier of CFG, expressed deep concern over the UK sports industry’s entanglement with organized crime. He criticized regulatory bodies like the Gambling Commission and the Betting and Gaming Council for their prolonged neglect of warnings regarding the black market. Despite recent funding intended for enforcement, these organisations reportedly lack adequate understanding to effectively combat the issue.
Webb also highlighted the shortcomings of the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) in addressing this form of crime adequately.
Ismail Vali, president of GCI and former CEO of Yield Sec, echoed these concerns about the illegal gambling sector approaching a 10% market share. Vali emphasized how this growth predominantly harms the most vulnerable members of society, noting that the profits generated by crime perpetuate further illegal activities.
Vali called for enhanced monitoring, stricter policing, improved enforcement, and better regulation of online gambling and sports streaming marketplaces to curb the rising tide of illegal betting and unauthorized streams in the UK.
