TLDR Illegal gambling users in Britain are more than 7 times as likely to show problem gambling behavior. 45% of illegal site users scored 8 or higher on the PGSI, compared with 6% of licensed customers. 91% of repeat illegal site users also gambled with licensed operators. The UKGC said the data does not prove illegal gambling causes greater harm. The study analyzed 157.2 million banking transactions from about 38,000 people.
Gamblers who use illegal betting websites in Britain are more than seven times as likely to show signs of problem gambling as those who use licensed operators. The finding comes from new research published by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).
The study was reported by Yogonet on November 2, 2026. It is based on open banking data that tracked thousands of people over several years.
Illegal gambling users seven times more likely to show… www.yogonet.com/international/news/2026/11/02/127118-illegal-gambling-users-seven-times-more-likely-to-show-problem-gambling-behavior-ukgc-finds #Gambling #IllegalGambling #ProblemGambling #UKGamblingCommission #Betting pic.twitter.com/X1O27gTRUy
— Yogonet Gaming News (@YogonetNews) November 2, 2026
Problem Gambling Scores Show a Wide Gap
The research found that 45% of illegal gambling users scored eight or higher on the Problem Gambling Severity Index, known as the PGSI. Only 6% of licensed gambling customers reached that level.
A score of eight or above on the PGSI points to problem gambling behavior. It is the highest risk group on the scale.
The study also looked at people at moderate risk. It found that 17% of illegal gambling users scored between three and seven, compared with 9% of licensed customers.
The regulator was careful about what the numbers mean. It said the findings did not show whether illegal gambling directly causes greater gambling-related harm.
Illegal Sites Used Alongside Licensed Ones
The research found a large overlap between regulated and unregulated gambling. Of the people