Entain has addressed the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO), calling on the authority to limit the use of gambling trademarks for unlicensed operators.After...
Entain warns of illegal gambling networks targeting UK users
Entain’s latest research has revealed that illegal gambling operators are increasingly targeting UK users through social media platforms, with activity set to rise during the World Cup period.
Published on June 17, 2026, Entain notes that unlicensed operators use influencers and sporting celebrities to promote their illegal betting products, specifically targeting UK men aged from 14 to 25. According to the report, 30 illegal websites were identified, such as Stake, Rainbet, and Duelbits, with 72 cases of UK-targeted World Cup promotions even before the start of the tournament.
Entain wrote in its statement:
“The report shows that unregulated gambling promotion is already being deployed at scale across social media, with coordinated networks of influencers, tipsters and content accounts primed to capitalize on heightened engagement during the tournament. The research warns that the World Cup represents a major near-term risk, with promotional infrastructure already in place and ready to intensify as the competition gets underway.”
The advertisements were found on platforms like YouTube, X, TikTok, Kick, Instagram, and Twitch, with football celebrities Eden Hazard, Iker Casillas, and Sergio Aguero featured in the promotions.
Managing Director of UK and Ireland at Entain, Nejay Patel, commented:
“As the Men’s World Cup is underway, this research is a wake-up call to government, regulators and law enforcement agencies that illegal gambling promotion is not operating at the fringes but is now operating at scale in the UK with coordinated networks primed to target millions of UK fans during the tournament.”
Additionally, AI-generated content on YouTube offering guidance to bypass gambling restrictions was discovered during the research, with at least 12 football fan accounts publishing identical information on betting tips. The study concluded that the promotions were part of a highly coordinated campaign to attract UK players.
As stated by Entain, the study was carried out by independent OSINT researchers in May 2026.
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