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The global illegal online gambling market generated approximately $50 billion in gross gaming revenue in 2025, according to a study by Fincord Intelligence highlighted by the UK Betting and Gaming Council (BGC).

The research sheds light on the scale of unlicensed online gambling and the methods operators use to bypass regulatory restrictions. These include mirror websites, virtual private networks (VPNs), cryptocurrency payments and digital advertising.

Fincord Intelligence estimates that approximately 5,000 operator structures controlled more than 15,000 websites and applications connected to illegal gambling activity.

Illegal Operators Use Digital Channels to Reach Players

According to the research, unlicensed gambling businesses rely on a broad network of digital channels to attract customers and maintain access when websites are blocked.

These methods include:

  • Mirror domains that replicate blocked websites.
  • VPNs used to bypass geographical restrictions.
  • Cryptocurrency payment systems.
  • Search engine advertising and social media promotion.
  • Affiliate websites and influencer marketing.
  • Telegram and WhatsApp groups.

The combination of these tools allows operators to continue reaching customers even in markets where their services are prohibited or where strict licensing requirements apply.

Non-GamStop Casinos Target Self-Excluded Players

The study also highlights the growing presence of illegal gambling platforms targeting consumers who have voluntarily excluded themselves from gambling.

In the United Kingdom, so-called Non-GamStop casinos promote their services to players registered with the national GamStop self-exclusion scheme.

These platforms may advertise fewer restrictions than licensed operators, including limited identity verification, financial checks and betting controls.

According to the report, illegal operators reach potential customers through search engines, social networks, affiliates, influencers and private messaging channels.

The practice raises concerns because self-excluded players may be particularly vulnerable to gambling-related harm.

Unlicensed Sites Compete Through Larger Bonuses

Fincord Intelligence also examined the commercial advantages that illegal operators use to compete with licensed gambling businesses.

Unregulated platforms may offer more generous promotional terms, including deposit bonuses reportedly reaching 500%. Some also advertise faster withdrawals and fewer account restrictions.

These offers can attract players who prioritize convenience or promotional value over regulatory protection.

However, the absence of licensing can mean that customers have fewer safeguards relating to responsible gambling, dispute resolution, identity verification and the security of funds.

Cryptocurrency Accounts for 35% of Payments

Cryptocurrency is another important element of the illegal online gambling ecosystem.

Fincord Intelligence estimates that around 35% of payments made on illegal gambling websites are conducted using cryptocurrency.

The study projects that crypto’s share could increase to approximately 70% by 2030, although the forecast depends on future payment trends, enforcement measures and the adoption of alternative financial technologies.

Digital assets can provide operators with additional payment options, particularly in jurisdictions where traditional financial institutions monitor or block transactions associated with unlicensed gambling.

At the same time, cryptocurrency transactions do not automatically eliminate the possibility of tracing payments or identifying users and businesses involved in illegal operations.

European Black Market Also Under Scrutiny

The global estimate comes alongside separate research into Europe’s illegal online gambling market.

A study commissioned by Euromat estimated that Europe’s illegal online gambling sector generated approximately €12 billion in net revenue in 2025. The research suggested that the market had tripled since 2019.

The two studies use different measurements and geographic scopes, meaning their figures should not be directly compared. Both reports nevertheless point to continuing concerns about the scale of gambling activity outside regulated markets.

Regulators Face Challenges Beyond Website Blocking

The findings suggest that blocking individual domains may not be sufficient to disrupt illegal gambling networks.

Operators can use alternative domains, mirrored websites and new distribution channels after enforcement actions. Affiliates, influencers and payment providers can also play a role in connecting consumers with unlicensed services.

As a result, regulators and governments face pressure to coordinate enforcement across multiple sectors, including financial services, technology companies, advertising platforms and law enforcement agencies.

The BGC has called for stronger action against illegal operators and the networks that support them, particularly those targeting customers who have already self-excluded from gambling.

What the Study Means for the Gambling Industry

The estimated $50 billion in illegal online gambling revenue highlights the continuing competition between licensed and unlicensed operators.

Regulated businesses must comply with requirements covering player protection, taxation, advertising and financial controls. Illegal platforms may attempt to attract customers by avoiding some of these obligations.

For regulators, the challenge is to make licensed markets accessible and competitive while strengthening enforcement against businesses that operate outside the legal framework.

The Fincord Intelligence findings also underline the importance of monitoring emerging payment methods and digital marketing channels as the online gambling industry continues to evolve.

Source: https://bookmaker-ratings.ru/news/categories/business-gambling-gaming/issledovanie-mirovoy-nelegal-nyy-rynok-onlayn-gemblinga-dostig-50-mlrd/