Up to 420,000 Schoolchildren in the UK Involved in Illegal Gambling — Influencers and Crypto-Casinos Push Users to the Black Market
The Scale of the Problem: Who and How Is Going Underground
A report by the organization Deal Me Out revealed that illegal gambling in the UK is spiraling out of control.
More than 420,000 schoolchildren are involved in gambling through loot boxes, crypto-casinos, and streaming platforms.
Regulatory restrictions and massive promotion by influencers are pushing users towards the black market.
The Influence of Influencers
Content creators on platforms like YouTube, Kick, Twitch, and Discord gather up to 5 million views per month, promoting illegal casinos with direct referral links. One streamer gained more than 1 million views in a single month while promoting an unlicensed site.
Facts:
- 84% of influencers reviewed by experts promoted illegal platforms;
- 9 out of 10 respondents continued working with BC.Game even after its license was revoked;
- Direct advertising helps bypass identity verification and deposit limits.
Identification Problem
One of the most alarming findings — 83% of Britons cannot distinguish a licensed site from an illegal one. This allows the black market to disguise itself as legal services and draw in even those who never intended to gamble.
Vulnerable Groups: Children and Self-Excluded Gamblers
Researchers paid special attention to children and problem gamblers:
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Schoolchildren involved in illegal gambling | 420,000+ |
| Self-excluded (GamStop) still gambling | Up to 67% |
| Total player losses | £10+ million |
| One case | $129K in 14 days from benefits |
Why Are More Players Going Underground?
Reasons for switching to the black market include:
- Strict limits and checks on legal sites;
- Attractive VIP programs and bonuses on grey platforms;
- Anonymity through cryptocurrencies;
- Lack of age restrictions and ID verification.
Experts note that regulation without balance may increase the flow of players to illegal sites where no protection mechanisms exist.
What Experts Recommend
Deal Me Out and Social Intent urge the following:
- Launch a nationwide campaign to raise awareness of black market risks;
- Tighten rules on gambling ads on social media;
- Reconsider harsh limits and checks policies;
- Unite the efforts of education, healthcare, regulators, and platforms.