TLDR Illegal offshore gambling sites failed basic identity checks, accepting fake names like “Red Rum” and even allowing a 6-year-old to register Brands like MyStake, Velobet, and Cosmobet are openly promoting themselves online despite operating without UK licenses Social media influencers and tipster accounts are funneling users toward unregulated offshore bookmakers Common payment methods like bank cards and digital wallets make it easy for users to shift from legal to illegal sites Illegal operators now account for roughly 9% of the UK gambling market, threatening government tax revenue plans
The UK’s illegal gambling market is growing, and enforcement agencies are struggling to slow it down.
A new report commissioned by Flutter UK & Ireland found that unlicensed offshore betting sites remain easy to access and are being openly advertised across social media platforms.
The report was produced by fraud specialist Alex Wood. It paints a picture of a black market that operates with little fear of consequence.
Offshore Sites Fail Basic Identity Checks
Wood tested several offshore gambling websites ahead of the Cheltenham Festival. He created accounts using obviously fake identities to see if the sites would flag them.
In one test, he signed up using the names of well-known racing figures Harry Skelton, Jack Kennedy, and trainer Willie Mullins. One site accepted an address listed as Cheltenham racecourse without any challenge.
In another case, Wood registered under the name Red Rum. He entered “racehorse” as his occupation and “horse heaven” as his address. The site accepted all of it.
A different platform went even further. It allowed him to sign up as a 6-year-old living at Buckingham Palace.
These failures show how offshore sites can attract users looking to get around safeguards like self-exclusion programs that are required on licensed UK platforms.
The report named several