Thousands of UK punters are heading to black market gambling sites as they get fed up with the restrictions and affordability checks imposed by licensed operators. A The Sun investigation has found a surge in the number of players using offshore sites that circumvent UK Gambling Commission rules.

Many gamblers are being “driven away” by the strict affordability checks and ID verifications. These measures — designed to reduce harm — are pushing even moderate players to unregulated sites with fewer restrictions and instant access.

Industry sources estimate up to 460,000 British players are now using black market sites, with billions of pounds being wagered annually. These sites often operate with weak or no regulation, with risks of data theft, no payout guarantees and minimal player protection.

Experts say, the government’s good intentions might be backfiring. While affordability checks are meant to stop problem gambling, they may be fuelling the growth of the illegal betting market. The UK’s Gambling White Paper is still being implemented and affiliates and operators are watching closely.

The balance between regulation and freedom is fragile — and the black market is winning.

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