A new report from gambling harms charity Deal Me Out has raised alarm over a growing shift among UK gamblers toward black market platforms. Published on 9 April 2025, the report links this trend to regulatory friction, the absence of legal cryptocurrency gambling, and the influence of online streamers and content creators who actively direct their audiences to offshore operators.
The Black Market Evaluation Report, compiled in collaboration with research firm Social Intent, included feedback from over 1,250 children, 300 adults, and 10 gambling influencers in the UK. It revealed that up to five million monthly clicks are being redirected from social media to black market sites through affiliate links shared by streamers. In many cases, these creators also instruct viewers on how to use VPNs and avoid detection when gambling on unlicensed platforms.
According to the report, 84% of reviewed gambling content creators were promoting black market sites, with one channel drawing over a million views in a single month. BC Game—a crypto-based casino that lost its UK white label license and exited Curaçao after bankruptcy proceedings—was identified as a commonly used site among influencers, with 90% of surveyed creators admitting to using it.
In one cited example, a streamer told their audience:
“As always guys, if you want to play on BC Game and support me as a gambling content creator, and if you want your quick spins, your auto plays, your bonus buys, no ID checks, no verification and full player protection, then make sure you sign up via gamblersden.com, or use the link down below.”
Black Market Platforms Attracting Minors and Vulnerable Users
The report highlights a sharp rise in underage participation in illegal gambling. Deal Me Out estimates that more than 420,000 UK schoolchildren may be accessing black market gambling, particularly via loot boxes and in-game currencies. These platforms often operate without age checks and use cryptocurrency, making them appealing to younger users.
One teenage interviewee, identified as MT, said:
“It was social for me. My friends and I would come home from school, jump on Discord and watch each other gamble... There is something quite appealing, sitting next to your friends on a virtual table.”
While UK regulations prohibit crypto gambling, many underage users are exposed to unlicensed content through Discord, Twitch, Kick, and YouTube. The report echoes similar findings in Ireland, where nearly 25% of 16-year-olds had reported gambling, with 10% showing signs of excessive behavior.
Regulatory Frustrations Fueling Migration
The current regulatory overhaul following the UK Gambling Act review has introduced mandatory deposit limits and slot spin restrictions, with a £5 cap for those aged 25+ and £2 for 18–24-year-olds. While aimed at harm reduction, Deal Me Out warns that these changes are driving some users away from the legal market.
Some gamblers and content creators expressed frustration with stricter verification rules and the loss of features like turbo spins and large bonuses. According to the report, 67% of users who had enrolled in the UK’s Gamstop self-exclusion program had still accessed black market sites to bypass restrictions.
One YouTube creator stated:
“Regulation has forced our hand; if we don’t use crypto casinos we just can’t compete... I understand the rules are there to prevent addiction, but poor consumer experience pushes people to the black market.”
Call for Coordinated Response and Public Awareness
Deal Me Out is urging UK regulators and policymakers to act swiftly. It recommends an urgent review of crypto gambling to prevent global blockchain-based operators from targeting British consumers—especially minors. It also calls for stronger regulation of influencer marketing, more collaboration between education, health, enforcement, and gambling sectors, and a national campaign to improve public understanding of what constitutes illegal gambling.
The report emphasized that current efforts such as cease-and-desist letters and payment blocks only trigger temporary disruptions, as mirror sites frequently reappear. A broader, coordinated strategy is needed to address the root causes of black market migration.
“The consequences of well-intentioned regulation must be considered carefully,” said Jordan Lea, CEO of Deal Me Out. “We risk pushing vulnerable consumers straight into the arms of the Black Market.”
Source:
Social media and streamers driving black market uptake, says Deal Me Out report, igamingbusiness.com, April 10, 2025.
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