UK Gambling Commission Issues Warning on Unlicensed Casino Games Distribution
The British Gambling Commission has issued a stern warning to licensed operators after identifying instances of online casino games appearing on unlicensed websites accessible to British consumers. The regulator has cautioned operators that failing to prevent such breaches could jeopardize their licenses and has pledged to intensify monitoring efforts, including potential test purchasing.

Third-Party Resellers Under Scrutiny
The Commission’s investigation found that third-party resellers were distributing casino games, including slots and live casino content, to unauthorized platforms, often violating contractual agreements with licensed operators. The regulator stressed that operators providing Business-to-Business (B2B) gaming solutions must take proactive steps to curb the spread of their products into the illegal market.
According to the Commission, these unlicensed sites lack essential consumer protection measures, putting players—particularly vulnerable individuals, such as those self-excluded via the GAMSTOP scheme—at significant risk. The platforms often fail to implement adequate social responsibility and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) protocols, exposing users to fraud, data breaches, and unfair gaming practices.
Industry-Wide Call to Action
In its official notice, the Gambling Commission urged operators to rigorously monitor their business relationships and take immediate action if any partners are found to be engaging with unauthorized operators. Licensees are expected to report non-compliance swiftly and implement corrective measures to prevent further breaches.
“The Commission advises operators to actively monitor their business relationships to ensure any partners are not participating in offering illegal gambling facilities to the GB market,” the warning stated.
Operators are also encouraged to communicate directly with the regulator and provide clear action plans to address any detected breaches.
Potential Enforcement Measures
As part of its enforcement strategy, the Commission has announced it may conduct test purchasing at any time to identify illegal gambling activity. This initiative aims to ensure compliance and deter licensed operators from inadvertently supplying products to unauthorized entities.
The regulator has called on operators and suppliers to report any suspicious activity through its intelligence team or via the Confidential Portal, emphasizing the shared responsibility of tackling illegal gambling in the UK market.