Report Unveils Growing Migration Towards Black Market Gambling

A new report by evaluation partner Social Intent has revealed that a concerning number of players are migrating to unregulated gambling platforms.

What Did the Report Find?

Social Intent, an organization that offers expert, clear, and practical support to help businesses navigate corporate strategy and ESG priorities, recently published the Black Market Evaluation Report. It is based on insights from over 1,250 children, 300 adults, and 10 gambling content creators. It reveals the widespread use of the Black Market among vulnerable populations, everyday consumers, and online influencers.

The report revealed that over 420,000 schoolchildren in the UK may be engaging in unregulated gambling, highlighting a growing crisis in online betting. The findings also show that 67% of those who signed up for the UK’s self-exclusion scheme, Gamstop, turned to Black Market sites to bypass restrictions.

External reviews of online content found that 84% of creators were promoting unregulated gambling platforms, with one channel alone attracting over a million views in a single month. Survey respondents reported over £10 million (around $13.24 million) in deposits, along with widespread issues such as withheld winnings, scams, and fake games.

The report also reveals that many consumers (and even non-gamblers) struggle to distinguish between regulated and unregulated platforms, raising serious concerns about public awareness and protection. Lastly, the report also highlights the role that online influencers play in this shift to Black Market gambling. Social media platforms such as YouTube, Kick, Twitch, and Discord are being used to promote crypto casinos and circumvent safeguards like ID checks and deposit limits.

Social Intent and Partners Call for Action

Matthew Hickey of Social Intent stated that the report offers a much-needed update on the impact of the black market on individuals experiencing gambling-related harm. He emphasized that the report clearly shows how excessive regulation can push people toward the black market, distancing them from the help and support currently available—an outcome he believes must be prevented.

According to Jordan Lea, CEO of Deal Me Out, one of Social Intent’s partners that helped produce the report, there’s a significant rise in fake games, crypto casinos, and VIP schemes promoted by influencers. All of these bypass UK regulations. According to Lea, regulations must be considered carefully so as not to push vulnerable consumers straight into the Black Market.

Iris Den Boer, Head of Public Relations at Deal Me Out, extended heartfelt thanks to the young people, individuals with lived experience, content creators, and all those who contributed their time and voices to the report. He emphasized that their input is essential in helping to shape a better-informed future for everyone impacted by gambling harm.