Key Moments:
- The UK now records an estimated 3.6 billion illegal sports streams each year, more than double the level seen three years ago.
- Unlicensed betting generated £379 million in the first half of 2025, equal to about 9% of the £8.2 billion online gambling market.
- The UK government plans to raise the Remote Gaming Duty from 21% to 40% starting on 1 April 2026.
Sharp Increase in Sports Piracy and Black-Market Betting
Recent research shows a sharp rise in illegal live sports streaming across Britain. Annual volumes are now estimated at 3.6 billion streams. This marks more than a twofold increase compared with figures reported three years ago. At the same time, the growth has closely tracked the expansion of the online gambling black market.
Piracy as a Channel for Unlicensed Gambling Operators
Investigators found that 89% of illegal sports streams accessed in the UK include ads or links tied to unlicensed betting firms. As a result, piracy is no longer viewed solely as a copyright issue. Instead, the study argues it has become a core customer acquisition channel for illicit bookmakers.
The findings were commissioned by the Campaign for Fairer Gambling and supported by data from Yield Sec. Together, they point to a well-developed commercial ecosystem behind illegal streaming activity.
| Year | Estimated Share of Unlicensed Market |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 2% |
| First half of 2025 | 9% |
Rising Influence of Unlicensed Operators
The report highlights a strong link between illegal streaming and unlicensed gambling. Pirate platforms are often designed and expanded because betting activity provides a reliable revenue stream. Consequently, enforcement efforts face growing complexity.
One major concern involves vulnerable users. Underage viewers and individuals registered with GamStop may still encounter offshore gambling options promoted through pirate streams. According to the analysis, unlicensed betting revenue reached £379 million in the first half of 2025, up sharply from a 2% market share in 2022.
Premier League Enforcement and Ongoing Challenges
The Premier League has stepped up anti-piracy efforts. These include live monitoring, court-backed blocking orders, and cooperation with major digital platforms. However, the report notes that illegal streams often reappear quickly, limiting the impact of takedowns.
At the same time, clubs with regulated gambling sponsors face added pressure. Black-market betting ads on pirate streams increase competition from operators that avoid UK regulatory costs and compliance rules.
Policy Response and Regulatory Pressures
Campaign for Fairer Gambling founder Derek Webb argues that authorities have been slow to grasp the scale of the threat. Still, the issue is gaining attention as part of broader gambling reforms. In the autumn budget, the UK government allocated £26 million in new funding to the Gambling Commission to strengthen enforcement against illegal operators.
Meanwhile, the planned rise in Remote Gaming Duty has drawn criticism. The tax rate will jump from 21% to 40% on 1 April 2026. Critics warn that the increase could widen the gap between licensed and offshore platforms. If so, unregulated sites may become more attractive to some bettors.
- Author
Daniel Williams
