Offshore gambling sites bypass UK rules with ease

Unregulated offshore gambling thrives despite stricter UK betting laws

A new report by fraud specialist Alex Wood has exposed the growing accessibility of unregulated offshore gambling platforms. These sites continue to operate openly online, despite stricter rules for licensed betting operators. Wood’s investigation found that many still accept common payment methods, making them easy to use for UK gamblers.

The findings also highlight how social media plays a key role in driving users to these illegal platforms, raising concerns about enforcement gaps and the role of tech companies in enabling their reach. Wood’s report identified several offshore platforms, including MyStake, Velobet, and Cosmobet. MyStake had even falsely advertised a partnership with former football star Ronaldinho to attract customers. Despite claims of strict identity checks, Wood managed to create accounts using fake identities—some based on well-known horse racing figures and even fictional characters.

Social media emerged as a major tool for customer acquisition, with illegal gambling content being actively promoted. When Wood asked Meta AI about offshore gambling options, the chatbot directed him to black market sites aggressively targeting UK users. He described the sheer volume of unlicensed gambling ads online as shocking, questioning why social media firms allow such content to spread.

The report also warned that weak identity verification on these platforms could appeal to users trying to bypass safeguards, such as self-exclusion systems. While regulators struggle to curb offshore operators, these sites exploit loopholes to stay accessible, often using familiar payment methods like bank cards and digital wallets to lure users from regulated environments. The investigation reveals how offshore gambling platforms continue to thrive despite tighter regulations on licensed operators. With social media enabling their promotion and weak identity checks allowing easy access, regulators now face the dual challenge of shutting down these sites and protecting users from their reach. The findings also put pressure on tech companies to address the spread of illegal gambling content online.