UKGC Consumer Voice study links distrust and weak checks to illegal market

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) published the third phase of its Consumer Voice research, carried out with Yonder Consulting, into the reasons consumers use illegal gambling sites. The study combines analysis of online conversations, a large-scale quantitative survey and qualitative interviews, the outlet reported.

The research identifies four consumer profiles that also appeared in earlier phases: Self-Excluders, Skilled Advocates, Social Explorers and Accidental Tourists. Motivations vary with personal attitudes, experiences and trust in institutions and operators, according to the report. For some users, identity checks and payment delays increase the tendency to turn to illegal sites, while others see these requirements as minor inconveniences.

Social media and online communities play a growing role, the report said, by helping users discover new sites, share recommendations and form views on operators' reliability. The Commission also noted how the phrase "not on GamStop" has evolved: once associated with finding ways around self-exclusion, it is now also used to identify platforms seen as having fewer checks, fewer restrictions and faster withdrawals. Many search results lead to affiliate sites that promote illegal operators, according to the report.

The UKGC said use of the illegal market remains a minority behaviour but requires targeted action and a better understanding of consumers' differing motivations. Later phases of the research will combine the findings with data from the Gambling Survey for Great Britain to measure how common the different profiles are and to monitor the effects of regulatory policy and operator practices. A further study will examine spending behaviour and player vulnerability using financial transaction data.