The UK Gambling Commission states that geoblocking measures have proven to be an effective method in reducing the presence of black market gambling websites. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the regulatory body intensified its crackdown, removing over 200 illegal gambling websites from search engines, with an additional 108 sites being geoblocked or isolated. The Commission issued 145 cease notices to illegal operators and 77 to advertisers. Since April 2024, the regulatory body has issued 3,140 cease and desist notices and submitted 447,778 URLs for removal from search engines. The Commission notes that illegal operators have begun adjusting their strategies in response to interventions, hence the regulatory body is improving methods, including the use of machine learning technologies and strengthening international cooperation to more effectively combat illegal operations.
Crackdown Actions and Quarterly Results
In the fourth quarter of 2024, the UK Gambling Commission enhanced its actions against illegal gambling websites. The regulatory body submitted 321 websites for removal to search engines, nearly 200 more than in the third quarter. Additionally, it issued 147 reports to registrars or hosting providers, 145 cease notices to illegal operators, and 77 to advertisers.
This quarter's actions resulted in approximately 214 websites being removed from search engines and 108 being geoblocked or isolated.
Effectiveness of Geoblocking
The Commission emphasizes that geoblocking and registrar blocking are more effective disruption methods. Although these measures may be limited by the use of VPNs, they are more effective in preventing access than removing websites from search engines. While removal makes websites harder to find, it does not completely prevent user access.
Geoblocking directly restricts IP access from specific regions, providing a more direct control mechanism.
Long-term Impact and Statistics
Since April 2024, the regulatory body has issued 3,140 cease and desist notices. By the third quarter, it had issued 774 notices to registrars, 402 to hosting providers, and 3 to payment providers. A total of 447,778 URLs have been submitted to search engines, with 287,961 being removed.
An analysis of 160 websites shows that intervention measures have led to an average 32% decrease in user engagement.
Illegal Operators' Response Strategies
The Commission notes that illegal operators are beginning to adjust their strategies to counter regulatory interventions. Main concerns include changes in URL structure, domain name rotation, and embedding gambling content on unrelated websites. These behaviors indicate that intervention actions are having an effect, but also force the regulatory body to continuously adjust its strategies.
The regulatory body states it will remain vigilant and respond quickly to emerging threats.
Technological Means and International Cooperation
The Commission is adopting machine learning technology to automatically extract data from illegal websites and compile intelligence to support more in-depth analysis and handle removal requests. At the same time, it is strengthening cooperation with international regulatory bodies, including the Dutch National Cyber Security Centre, to coordinate disruption actions and share intelligence.
International cooperation is particularly important for dealing with cross-border illegal operations.
Payment and Financial Channel Control
The regulatory body seeks closer cooperation with financial and payment service providers to combat the funding of illegal websites. In January 2025, the Commission will for the first time submit reports of illegal websites to Visa and plans to expand reporting to other payment platforms such as MasterCard, PayPal, Google Pay, and Apple Pay.
Cutting off funding channels is a key measure in combating illegal operations.
Digital Marketing and Advertising Regulation
The Commission is developing specific measures to stop the digital marketing activities of illegal websites, combating aggressive marketing and manipulative practices. The regulatory body hopes to cooperate with the industry to share intelligence about illegal market activities and gain a deeper understanding of related marketing and advertising strategies.
This move aims to reduce the visibility and attractiveness of illegal websites.
Challenges and Continuous Improvement
Although progress has been made, the Commission acknowledges that work is still in its early stages, with illegal operators continuously adjusting their strategies. The regulatory body states it will continue to improve methods, enhance its capabilities, and share experiences internationally to protect consumers and maintain market integrity.
Continuous innovation and adaptation are key to addressing the ever-changing illegal market.
Consumer Protection and Market Integrity
All actions of the Commission ultimately aim to protect consumer rights and maintain the integrity of the regulated market. By reducing the accessibility and impact of illegal websites, the regulatory body hopes to guide users towards legal and regulated gambling platforms.
Consumer education and the promotion of legal options are also part of the long-term strategy.
Future Outlook and Industry Cooperation
The regulatory body sees opportunities for cooperation with the industry, by sharing intelligence and gaining a deeper understanding of marketing strategies, to more effectively combat illegal activities. The Commission emphasizes that, in addition to existing methods, cooperation is crucial for ensuring actions against the most harmful illegal activities.
The future will continue to strengthen collaboration with all parties to meet challenges.
