A new report has claimed that UK consumers are a key target for a global gambling black market network generating an estimated £3.5bn in annual revenue, raising questions about the effectiveness of current enforcement efforts.
The 55-page report, produced by GAMRS and powered by DealMeOut, identifies Santeda as the central operator behind a network of offshore gambling brands that utilise multiple domains, mirror sites, affiliate partnerships and influencer marketing to attract customers.
Of particular concern for the regulated sector is the report’s finding that the UK is one of the network’s most important markets. According to the report, 75.9 percent of traffic to Velobet, one of the operators linked to the network, originates from the UK.
The report also claims that illegal gambling activity in the UK has grown significantly, increasing from 0.5 percent of gambling activity in 2020 to between 12 percent and 15 percent by 2025.
The findings are likely to reignite debate around the role of the Gambling Commission and wider enforcement agencies. While licensed operators and industry researchers continue to identify major black market networks and document their methods, the report argues that enforcement efforts remain focused on individual websites rather than the broader affiliate and acquisition ecosystems driving customer traffic – meaning the regulator is always one step behind.
And what will cause most concern is that this data is drawn from an external independent source, putting the Commission in the awkward position having aggressively pushed itself forward as the best vehicle to lead the fight against the black market, and yet knowing far less than anyone about the scale of operations in the black market.
Originally published on Coinslot on June 15, 2026. Republished with permission.