Problem Gambling Seven Times More Common on Illegal Sites, UK Regulator Finds

Gamblers in Britain who use illegal, unlicensed websites are more than seven times as likely to suffer from problem gambling compared to those sticking to licensed operators, according to new research from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). Gambling Commission research suggested that problem gambling is more prevalent among users of unlicensed websites. (Image: UKGC) The regulator found that 45% of players on illegal gambling websites scored eight or higher on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). That compared with just 6% of gamblers using licensed websites.