Offshore Gambling Surge Sparks 90% Rise in Player Complaints by 2024
A new survey has revealed a growing shift among gambling operators towards offshore licensing. The move follows stricter consumer protection laws in established markets. Researchers at the University of Bristol's Gambling Harms Hub tracked the trend and its impact on player complaints. The study, titled Mapping the Offshore Gambling Regulators, found that operators are increasingly relocating to less regulated jurisdictions. This follows tighter rules in traditional hubs like the Philippines, Isle of Man, and Curaçao. Since 2023, no new major regulatory frameworks have emerged, leaving gaps in oversight.
One standout case is Anjouan, an autonomous island in the Comoros. In May 2025 alone, it issued 825 gambling licenses and imposed no tax on operator revenue. The survey linked this surge to a sharp rise in unresolved player disputes. Complaints against Anjouan-licensed operators jumped by 90% in 2024, reaching 148 cases.
Researchers labelled some newly formed licensing bodies as 'pseudo-regulators', questioning their ability to enforce fair play. Meanwhile, major gambling groups like Yolo have chosen to work only with domestic regulators. Šimon Vincze, Head of Sustainable & Safer Gambling at our website, contributed to the study and highlighted the risks players face with offshore operators. The survey ties the spike in unresolved complaints directly to operators moving offshore. Anjouan's rapid licensing growth and lack of taxation have made it a popular but risky choice. Players now face higher chances of disputes with fewer protections in place.
