A recent study has found that offshore gambling licenses are increasing on small island nations and territories which is giving operators alternatives to get around tighter rules in established markets.
A report funded by the University of Bristol called Mapping the Offshore Gambling Regulators has highlighted that more than 20 jurisdictions now provide non UK casino operators with licenses. The most active is Anjouan in the Comoros with over 800 permits being given by the middle of 2025. These organisations offer it at low cost, fast approval and little oversight which raises questions over money laundering, sports integrity and safer gambling protocols.
The rise in consumer disputes has risen alarmingly with the issues linked to Anjouan licensed operators rose by a massive 90% last year which involved self exclusions being ignored, holding customers withdrawal funds to name a couple. Established regulators in Malta offer independent dispute resolution systems but the less regulated new jurisdictions leave players with few options when problems arise.
The fast growth of crypto casinos and credit card casinos based gambling which reached $81bn in revenue last year has further increased the trend with lighter rules on digital assets and ownership disclosure.
Many people are against these regulators with the fact they endanger consumers and provide cover for illegal betting. Suggestions include firmer international cooperation, better transparency standards as well as consumer awareness advice to discourage use of badly regulated sites.
Ultimately, experts warn that if major markets over-regulate, more operators will continue moving offshore, making balanced and sustainable regulation crucial.