The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has highlighted research from Fincord Intelligence showing the global illegal online gambling market generated approximately $50 billion in gross revenue in 2025, with operators deliberately targeting UK consumers, including those who have self-excluded through GAMSTOP, via cryptocurrency payments, digital marketing, and mirror websites.
The research, first reported by yogonet.com, details how roughly 5,000 illegal operator structures ran more than 15,000 websites and apps, using sophisticated networks to evade enforcement. BGC Chief Executive Grainne Hurst called on the UK government to coordinate action against operators targeting self-excluded consumers.
Scale of Illegal Operations
Fincord estimated that about 5,000 illegal operator structures ran more than 15,000 websites and apps last year. These operators used mirror domains, virtual private networks (VPNs) and browser-based applications to restore access to blocked services.
The report specifically flagged that some illegal operators were deliberately targeting people who had self-excluded from gambling. That includes UK consumers registered with GAMSTOP, the country’s online gambling self-exclusion scheme.
So-called “Non-GamStop” casinos promoted their services to self-excluded customers through search engines, social media, affiliates, influencers and messaging platforms including Telegram and WhatsApp, according to yogonet.com’s coverage of the research.
Fewer Restrictions as a Lure
The report said illegal operators attract customers by imposing fewer restrictions than licensed businesses. These include deposit bonuses of between 300% and 500%, higher advertised returns and faster payouts.
Cryptocurrency has become a significant part of the illegal market. According to Fincord, crypto accounted for around 35% of payments across illegal gambling sites. The firm estimated that proportion could exceed 70% by 2030.
“Illegal gambling is no longer a collection of isolated websites,” a Fincord Intelligence spokesperson said. “It operates through sophisticated international networks of companies, payment providers, cryptocurrency services, technology platforms and affiliates.”
Russia Links and National Security Concerns
The report raised concerns about links between some illegal gambling businesses and Russia. Fincord said certain operators may contribute directly or indirectly to Russian economic interests, while its assessment of the Ukraine case pointed to potential wider financial crime and national security risks.
“In Britain, these networks target customers including people who have self-excluded through social media, messaging platforms and mirror sites,” the Fincord spokesperson said. “The Ukraine case demonstrates how the same type of interconnected infrastructure can also create wider financial crime and national security risks.”
Calls for Infrastructure-Level Enforcement
Fincord said governments should focus on disrupting the infrastructure that supports illegal gambling rather than relying primarily on blocking individual websites. The report recommended action against payment services, cryptocurrency intermediaries, affiliates, advertisers, software suppliers and hosting infrastructure.
“Governments must target the infrastructure that allows these illegal ecosystems to survive, rather than relying solely on blocking individual websites,” the Fincord spokesperson said.
BGC Chief Executive Responds
BGC Chief Executive Grainne Hurst said the findings showed the risks illegal operators pose to UK consumers, particularly those who had self-excluded.
“This report shows illegal gambling is no longer simply a regulatory issue,” Hurst said. “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,” she added.
