The UK Gambling Commission has outlined a broader approach to tackling illegal gambling, extending its focus beyond websites to the payment services, advertising channels and products that support unlicensed operators. Since January 2026, the regulator has referred more than £40 million in suspected criminal funds to partner agencies for possible asset freezing.
The Commission said the amount relates to funds referred for potential freezing; it has not confirmed that the full sum has been frozen or recovered. Its strategy includes disrupting payments, making it harder for illegal operators to advertise and restricting access to casino games and sportsbook products used by unlicensed businesses.
Implications for the supply chain
The approach signals closer attention to the commercial infrastructure behind illegal gambling. Payment intermediaries, advertisers and B2B suppliers may face increased scrutiny when their services are connected to unlicensed operators. The Commission’s announcement did not introduce new supplier rules or identify specific companies, so businesses should not treat the statement as a new blanket prohibition.