The Gambling Commission’s fight against unlicensed operators is faltering, with the black market continuing to outpace enforcement efforts, according to a new report.
Research by fraud specialist Alex Wood, commissioned by Flutter UK & Ireland, found that illegal betting sites remain widely accessible and are often openly promoted online. Tests conducted ahead of the Cheltenham Festival revealed significant failures in basic identity checks.
Wood was able to create accounts using false identities, including names of prominent racing figures such as Harry Skelton, Jack Kennedy and Willie Mullins. In one instance, he registered as “Red Rum”, listing his occupation as “racehorse” and address as “horse heaven”, while another site accepted a six-year-old user living at Buckingham Palace.
“I’ve been shocked at the sheer amount of illegal, unlicensed gambling content being pushed and promoted online, and social media companies have serious questions to answer,” Wood commented.
Illegal operators are now estimated to account for around 9 percent of the UK gambling market, raising concerns over consumer protection and lost tax revenue, as calls grow for stronger coordination between regulators, government and technology firms.
Originally published on Coinslot on April 28, 2026. Republished with permission.