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The report assesses black market activity across 28 European jurisdictions, including the UK, Netherlands and Germany. According to estimates across a mature black market ecosystem, 25 operators account for approximately 64% of relevant black market traffic.
Thanks to the “rapid growth of crypto currencies” and globally recognisable branding through marketing and sponsorships, this handful of operators are generating the majority of illegal gambling traffic across Europe.
The report also cites brands targeting a specifically banned vertical or product within a jurisdiction as driving black market activity. While markets across Europe have many examples, one such flagged in the report is that iGaming remains illegal for licensed operators in France.
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This sense of understanding was also described as something that needed to be maintained continuously, rather than achieved only once and then relied upon.
Consumers reiterated that being informed is an ongoing process, and that fast-paced and immersive gambling formats can rapidly erode awareness.
On the question of who should be responsible for maintaining this understanding, participants favoured a shared model rather than placing the burden solely on one party.
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The committee identified the Gambling Act 2005 as the moment when licensed operators gained broad advertising freedoms across media. Prior to 2005, television and radio gambling advertising was limited to products like bingo, football pools and the National Lottery.
Since then, annual advertising expenditure by licensed operators has grown substantially and is now estimated to be between £1 billion and £2 billion, accoridng to , the report said.
According to the committee, robust evidence now links gambling advertising to increased participation and associated harms.
