According to research by Fincord Intelligence, highlighted by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), the global illegal online gambling sector generated approximately $50 billion in gross revenue in 2025. Operators are increasingly utilizing cryptocurrency, digital marketing, and mirror websites to evade law enforcement.
Fincord's analysis revealed that around 5,000 illegal operator structures managed over 15,000 websites and applications last year. These operators employed mirror domains, virtual private networks (VPNs), and browser-based applications to bypass access restrictions on blocked services.
The report indicated that some illegal operators were specifically targeting individuals who had opted for self-exclusion from gambling, including UK consumers registered with GAMSTOP, the national online gambling self-exclusion program.
These so-called “Non-GamStop” casinos actively promoted their services to self-excluded customers via search engines, social media, affiliate networks, influencers, and messaging platforms such as Telegram and WhatsApp.
Illegal operators often attract clients by offering fewer restrictions compared to licensed businesses. The report noted that they provide deposit bonuses ranging from 300% to 500%, advertise higher returns, and ensure quicker payouts.
Cryptocurrency has emerged as a vital component of the illegal market, accounting for about 35% of transactions across these gambling sites, with projections suggesting it could surpass 70% by 2030.
A spokesperson for Fincord Intelligence remarked, “Illegal gambling is no longer just a collection of isolated websites; it functions through complex international networks of companies, payment providers, cryptocurrency services, technology platforms, and affiliates.”
The report also expressed concerns regarding connections between some illegal gambling operations and Russia. Fincord suggested that certain operators might contribute, either directly or indirectly, to Russian economic interests, and its assessment of the Ukraine situation highlighted broader financial crime and national security risks.
“In Britain, these networks target customers, including those who have self-excluded, through social media, messaging platforms, and mirror sites,” the spokesperson added.
“The Ukraine case illustrates how interconnected infrastructures can lead to more extensive financial crime and national security threats.”
Fincord recommended that governments should prioritize disrupting the infrastructure supporting illegal gambling instead of primarily focusing on blocking individual websites. This could involve actions against payment services, cryptocurrency intermediaries, affiliates, advertisers, software suppliers, and hosting providers.
“Governments must aim to dismantle the infrastructure that allows these illegal ecosystems to thrive, rather than solely relying on the blocking of individual websites,” the Fincord spokesperson emphasized.
BGC Chief Executive Grainne Hurst stated that the findings highlight the dangers illegal operators pose to UK consumers, especially those who have self-excluded.
“This report indicates that illegal gambling is no longer merely a regulatory concern,” Hurst remarked. “Illegal operators are intentionally targeting vulnerable customers in the UK, including those who have self-excluded, using social media, affiliates, and messaging platforms to circumvent the protections of the regulated market.”
“The Government must enhance its efforts to coordinate law enforcement, regulators, payment providers, and technology firms to target the networks that support these operators, rather than just focusing on individual websites,” she concluded.