Underground market entices British population via social media influencers
In the digital age, the UK's gambling landscape is undergoing significant changes, with stricter regulations aimed at protecting players and preventing illegal activities. However, a growing trend of UK gamblers opting for unlicensed providers, particularly crypto-casino platforms, poses a challenge.
Recent surveys reveal that 90% of content creators endorse the crypto gambling provider BC Game, despite it operating without a British license. This endorsement, coupled with guides from some streamers on how to access illegal gambling sites using a VPN, is contributing to the shift of players towards unregulated platforms.
The UK's Gambling Commission has been tightening its regulations, as evidenced by the reform of the Gambling Act and the White Paper from April 2023. New rules include age-based betting limits for online slots, with players under 25 able to bet a maximum of £2 per spin and older players a maximum of £5. Additionally, features such as turbo spins and auto-play will no longer be offered in online casinos with a British license.
However, these measures have not deterred illegal activities. British influencers, including YouTube personalities, have been promoting crypto-casino platforms that offer no identity verification, enabling anonymous gambling. This practice conflicts with the UK's strict Gambling Commission regulations that require operator licensing and player protection measures, including identity verification, to prevent money laundering and protect consumers.
The survey by gambling charity Deal Me Out, which included over 1,250 minors, 300 adults, and 10 gambling content creators in the UK, estimates that around 420,000 minors in the UK are active on illegal gambling sites. This alarming figure underscores the need for further measures to curb the increasing trend of gambling at illegal providers.
Deal Me Out has called for intensive scrutiny of crypto gambling providers and regular awareness campaigns to warn players about the dangers of illegal gambling and reveal the potential risks. The organisation also suggests that the streaming scene may rely on illegal offers to keep up with the big competition, as legal providers have too many restrictions.
A YouTube influencer admitted that the streaming scene relies on illegal offers to stay competitive, while a casino streamer promoted BC Game for its fast spins, autoplay, bonus buys, no ID verification, and full player protection. However, it is important to note that BC Game does not have a British gambling license and therefore cannot legally offer its services to players in the UK.
In conclusion, while the UK's gambling regulations are being tightened, the growing trend of unregulated crypto-casino use presents a significant challenge. Regular awareness campaigns and intensive scrutiny of crypto gambling providers are crucial to protect players and prevent illegal activities.
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