Andrew Rhodes, the CEO of the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), gave a scathing speech at the CEO Briefing on November 6th, 2025, regarding the increasing difficulties and urgency of preventing illegal gambling in the United Kingdom.
In front of industry leaders, Rhodes reaffirmed the UKGC’s unchanging mandate: to license, regulate, and provide evidence that informs policy rather than moral discussion.
He highlighted the importance of keeping facts and narratives apart as the debate over gambling heats up after the White Paper, pointing out that there are 22.5m regular gamblers in the UK.
Rhodes clarified that although the Commission is actively responding, worries about illegal gambling have intensified.
Three years ago, a dedicated team was established to combat illegal gambling, and through 2025, it has increased its efforts. 480 cease and desists were issued, over 188,000 illegal URLs were reported (of which over 104,000 were removed), 659 sites were referred for delisting, and 504 websites were disrupted by takedowns or geoblocking.
He stressed: “There is nothing more exploitative than the illegal market… We are here for all consumers.” Rhodes also reaffirmed that protecting children and vulnerable people is at the core of UKGC’s obligation under the Gambling Act.
Data-Driven Enforcement and Industry Collaboration
Rhodes emphasised how the UKGC has improved its regulatory response by using a data-led approach.
Its four in-depth reports on illegal gambling have boosted openness and enlightened public discourse.
Due to investments in data and technology, the UKGC has seen a 300% increase in criminal cases brought forward over the past two years, encompassing betting integrity, cheating, and illegal gambling.
The system should be “fair” to legal operators that pay license fees and abide by the rules, Rhodes emphasised, and proactive steps should be taken to find and eliminate those that encourage illegal activity, especially among software providers.
He mentioned nine suspensions in recent weeks and promised more action in the future, warning that software partners or B2B suppliers found to be supporting the illegal market will face immediate enforcement with “no warnings.”
Although illegal gambling is not yet widespread in the UK, Rhodes came to the conclusion that new risks are presented by the continuous advancement of technology, changing consumer expectations, and the proliferation of cryptocurrency, all of which call for a concerted industry and governmental responses.
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