Influencers Sending Followers to Dodgy Gambling Sites, Says New Report

A new report has found influencers and streamers are basically sending their followers straight to dodgy offshore gambling sites. This research from the Deal Me Out charity talked to over 1500 punters and creators. They worked out these guys drive up to 5 million clicks a month to unlicensed casinos through affiliate links and recommendations.

There was one streamer actively plugging crypto casino BC Game, even after it ditched its UK license last year. They’re on video telling fans, “Sign up here for your quick spins, bonus buys, no ID checks”.

Apparently the tighter regulations here – like £2 slots spins and mandatory loss limits – are totally frustrating some gamblers. They’re taking their action underground. One YouTuber admitted “We have to use crypto sites now or our content just can’t compete. Viewers expect big wins and bonus features.”

But here’s the worrying bit – Deal Me Out reckons over 400,000 school kids might be illegally gambling on stuff like video game loot boxes or in-game money. One 14 year old told them he started because his mates were all doing it on Discord.

So Deal Me Out says crypto gambling needs an “urgent review” and people need educating on dodgy sites. They’re concerned vulnerable punters could get sucked into the black market as the rules tighten up.

The Betting & Gaming Council says UK players blow £2.7 billion a year with illegal bookies. Of the guys using both legal and illegal sites, 12% of what they spend goes to the crooks. Crazy numbers.