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New survey data to help tackle illegal gambling and protect consumers

05 November 2026

Fresh estimates on the extent of consumer engagement with illegal gambling websites have been published today (5 November) by the Gambling Commission as part of its drive to build better evidence and disrupt illegal markets.

The new findings are a part of the Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB) and published alongside an updated Illegal Gambling Data Dashboard which will track trends in engagement, and the impact of our work to protect consumers through disruption.

Using an innovative set of questions to better understand if a consumer is likely to be engaging with an illegal website – whether they realise it or not – the GSGB data will deepen our understanding of consumers who engage with illegal gambling and help us identify patterns and emerging risks.

Sue Young, Executive Director for Operations, at the Gambling Commission, said: "We want to kick crime out of gambling. Illegal gambling poses risks to consumers and tackling it is a priority for the Commission and our partners.

"While engagement with the illegal market from an overall population perspective appears low and stable from these indicators, there is a cohort of online gamblers who use these sites and research suggests those consumers who use illegal operators are more likely to experience harm.

"This new data will help make sure activity to protect consumers is informed by the best available evidence which is why we will continue to work across government, industry, technology and financial services to disrupt crime and protect consumers."

Initial GSGB survey estimates indicate:

  • the proportion of people using illegal gambling websites among the whole population (including those who do not gamble) is low, with most respondents showing no indication of using an illegal gambling website (94.4%)
  • 0.6% of respondents have engaged with illegal gambling websites within the past 4 weeks and a further 0.4% in the past 12 months (but not in the past 4 weeks)
  • among those who gambled online in the past 12 months, 2.5% had engaged with illegal gambling websites within the past 4 weeks, and a further 1.5% had engaged in the past 12 months (but not in the past 4 weeks)
  • engagement with illegal gambling websites was higher amongst males than females and tended to be more prevalent amongst younger adults in the past 12 months, particularly those aged 18 to 24. In contrast, engagement among 25 to 34-year-olds was more evident within the past 4 weeks
  • the findings complement recent research publications exploring consumer motivations for using illegal gambling websites and analysis of financial transaction data to better understand consumer behaviour. They highlight that motivations for using illegal operators are varied and cannot be explained by any single factor.

Researching illegal gambling supports the Gambling Commission's strategic commitment to be an evidence-led and outcomes-focused regulator, ensuring regulatory, policy and enforcement activity is informed by the best available data and insight.

The research was published alongside the Commission's CEO Briefing event, where industry leaders came together to discuss progress, emerging priorities and the latest evidence on illegal gambling.

Last updated: 5 November 2026

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