Google’s Tenfold Increase in Removing Unlicensed Gambling URLs in the UK
In a significant move against unlicensed gambling, Google has removed over ten times more gambling-related URLs in the UK this year than last. This shows the UKGC's stronger stand on regulatory compliance.
- Google removed over 64,000 unlicensed gambling URLs in the UK, marking a tenfold increase from the previous year.
- The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has intensified its efforts to crack down on unlicensed operators, issuing more than 770 cease-and-desist notices.
- UKGC CEO Andrew Rhodes emphasised the importance of industry vigilance and responsible partnership to combat illegal online gambling.
- Future regulatory efforts will ensure that gambling remains fair and open, emphasising consumer transparency and market restrictions.
The digital crackdown on unlicensed online gambling in the UK has seen an unprecedented surge. Google removed more than 64,000 URLs in the 2024/25 financial year—a staggering tenfold increase from the previous year. Andrew Rhodes, CEO of the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), highlighted this drastic action in a recent announcement during his speech at ICE Barcelona 2025.
The Scale of Unlicensed Gambling Enforcement
The UKGC’s intensified enforcement efforts are evident in the numbers:
- Over 102,000 URLs were referred to Google for removal.
- A total of 264 websites were taken down.
- More than 770 cease-and-desist and disruption notices were issued.
- These included specific actions against operators and advertisers.
This surge in regulatory action aligns with a broader commitment from the UKGC to target companies operating without the proper UK licenses, aiming to safeguard UK consumers against unlicensed online gambling.
Industry Vigilance on Unlicensed Gambling
Rhodes also underscored the imperative for licensed operators to conduct due diligence and disassociate from companies facilitating illegal gambling, highlighting the contradiction in supporting competition that undermines the regulated market. The call for vigilance extends to ensuring partnerships and third-party vendors do not contribute to the unlicensed gambling sector.
Looking Ahead: A Unified Stance Against Illegal Gambling
The fight against unlicensed gambling isn’t just a local effort. Rhodes pointed to increasing global cooperation among regulators. For instance, Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are being signed to share information and resources. This international approach underscores a collective goal: to eradicate illegal online gambling.
As 2025 unfolds, the UKGC’s focus will sharpen on making gambling fairer and more transparent for consumers. Rhodes’s announcement hints at a future where regulatory measures not only clamp down on illegal activities but also elevate the standard of transparency and fairness in the gambling industry, continuing to enforce restrictions tailored to protect the UK market.
The increased enforcement and collaborative efforts mark a significant step towards a safer, more regulated online gambling environment. With regulators tightening the leash, the message to the industry is clear: complacency is no longer an option, and integrity in operations is paramount.
With an education from the University of Cambridge and while working with iGaming for the last 6 years, Stephen has obtained a lot of knowledge about the industry. He usually writes about the different types of online casinos, casino bonuses and various gambling strategies.
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