Two new Commission studies on illegal gambling: who uses offshore sites, and why their bonuses are a risk
Offshore casinos often advertise huge bonuses to UK players, usually under a “not on GamStop” banner. In October the Gambling Commission published two pieces of research on who uses illegal sites and why. The findings are a useful reality check for anyone tempted by an offshore bonus.
By the Top Casino Bonus team. Published .
Key points
- The Commission’s open banking study, published on 28 October 2026, found 91% of people making repeated payments to illegal operators also gambled with licensed ones.
- 45% of illegal-site users in the sample scored 8 or more on the Problem Gambling Severity Index, against 6% of licensed gamblers.
- Research published on 20 October found the strongest pulls were avoiding GamStop and expecting fewer data checks, ahead of better odds.
- “Not on GamStop” has come to signal fewer checks, faster payouts and credit card or crypto deposits.
- Offshore bonuses carry none of the UK protections, including the 10x wagering cap and independent dispute resolution.
- Open banking study
- 28 October 2026
- People in dataset
- 38,000 (July 2018 to July 2026)
- Payments to suspected illegal operators
- 3,426, from 179 people
- Repeat users also on licensed sites
- 91%
- PGSI 8+ (illegal vs licensed)
- 45% vs 6%
- Phase 3 research
- 20 October 2026
What the research found
| Finding | Figure |
|---|---|
| Repeat illegal-site users who also gambled with licensed operators | 91% |
| Illegal-site users with a PGSI score of 8 or more | 45% (licensed gamblers: 6%) |
| Illegal payments made from current accounts | 96% |
| Licensed transactions per person, month before vs month after first illegal payment | 24.8 vs 23.7 |
The Commission stressed the sample is not nationally representative and cannot show that illegal sites cause harm, only that the two overlap. Illegal gambling appears to sit alongside licensed play rather than replace it.
Why people use illegal sites
The 20 October report identified four groups: self-excluders getting around GamStop, “skilled advocates” who distrust the licensed market, deal-seeking “social explorers”, and “accidental tourists” who drift in through frictionless sign-ups. It also found that similar checks reportedly exist on illegal sites, so people leaving the licensed market may meet the same hurdles somewhere less trustworthy.
Why an offshore bonus is a poor deal
- No wagering cap. UK bonuses are capped at 10x; offshore ones can be any multiple. See offshore casino bonus risks.
- No independent adjudication if a casino refuses to pay; see complaints and ADR rules.
- No GamStop. If you have self-excluded, an offshore site undoes that protection; see bonuses and GamStop.
Check any casino with our guide to telling a licensed casino from an unlicensed one. Free help is available 24/7 on the National Gambling Helpline, 0808 8020 133.
18+. Gambling should be entertainment, never a way to make money. Free, confidential help 24/7: National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133, or see our safer gambling page.
Frequently asked questions
Do people who use illegal gambling sites stop using licensed ones?
Mostly not. The Commission found 91% of repeat illegal-site users also gambled with licensed operators.
Why do people use illegal gambling sites?
The strongest reasons were avoiding GamStop and expecting fewer data checks, ahead of better odds.
Are “not on GamStop” bonuses legal in the UK?
No. Sites offering them to UK players are unlicensed, and their bonuses carry no UK protections.
How can I check a casino is licensed?
Find its licence number and check it on the Gambling Commission public register.
Related pages
Sources
- Gambling.com: UKGC study shows illegal gambling sits alongside licensed play (opens in a new tab)
- Gambling.com: access friction pushes players to illegal sites (opens in a new tab)
- Casinos.com: Gambling Commission banking data study (opens in a new tab)
- Gambling Commission: public register (opens in a new tab)
More casino bonus news
What the 28 October Budget means for casino bonuses: new free play rules, unchanged online dutyThe Budget on 28 October 2026 left online casino duty at 40%, raised machine games duty to 25% and announced new tax rules for free spins and other free plays from 1 April 2027. What it means for UK casino bonuses.
Read the story →
Casino bonuses in November 2026: all five offers re-read, ranked and valuedOur November 2026 check of five UK casino bonuses: Coral 100 free spins, Ladbrokes up to 500, PlayOJO 80 no-wagering spins, Casumo 50% to £100 and 10bet 100% to £25. Value, wagering, deadlines and catches.
Read the story →
From Black Friday to advent calendars: the first festive promotion season under the 2026 bonus rulesBlack Friday falls on 27 November 2026 and advent calendars run from 1 December. This is the first festive season under the 10x wagering cap and the mixed-product ban. What seasonal casino offers can and cannot do.
Read the story →
Financial risk assessments are coming in stages: the thresholds, and what they mean if you claim a bonusThe Gambling Commission is introducing financial risk assessments in stages, starting at net deposits over £5,000 in 24 hours. The thresholds, how the checks work, and why a typical welcome bonus will not trigger one.
Read the story →