One In Eight Punters Could Be Subject to Fraud By a Black Market Operator During the World Cup

A shocking new study has revealed that one in eight punters – approximately 12% - could be exposed to fraud by a black market betting operator during the World Cup.

Global credit agency TransUnion commissioned the troubling survey that revealed the dangers that unlicensed betting sites could pose this summer – particularly amongst the 25-34 age group.

At a time when the black market is growing in the UK, and with the World Cup predicted to be the biggest betting event in history, alarm bells should be ringing for the industry.

No Safeguards

The TransUnion survey asked 1,000 adults of all ages about their betting habits and their anticipated activity during the World Cup, which kicked off earlier in June and runs through until the final on July 19.

The respondents’ answers were split into different age brackets, with the 25-34 group showcasing the most eye-catching results.

Nearly half of this category (43%) responded that they intended to bet more during the World Cup, with average stakes reaching £16.56 per wager. Meanwhile, 12% of this cohort also reported that they were open to the idea of signing up with a black market operator.

The results were typically lower within the older age groups, with only 4% of those aged 65+ expecting to bet more during the World Cup. The average stake for those aged 35 and older dropped to £9.54.

And the survey also showed that the older generation were far less likely to show an interest in unlicensed betting sites, with just 1% of those aged 55-64 expected to access an illegal operator.

These black market bookmakers often have none of the safeguards in place that punters will find with the regulated sector, with the danger of fraud and monetary/identity theft a genuine concern.

Chad Reimers, the vice president of fraud solutions at TransUnion, revealed that the younger age band is likely to be less diligent in assessing the licensing status of their betting site; creating a gap between ‘trusting a brand and checking whether it’s legitimately regulated.’

He said in a statement:

"The football World Cup is one of the biggest betting and social events of the year and fraudsters know it. Younger fans are the most enthusiastic punters, but that can bring heightened risk if they are not stopping to check the legitimacy of the provider."

Heightened Risk

This data is all the more concerning when we consider the scale of World Cup betting this summer.

Intelligence agency Macquarie have predicted that the tournament will be the most sizable betting event in history, due to its scale, prestige and an expanded format that has increased the total number of games to be played.

It’s expected that around £37 billion will be wagered on the World Cup globally, which is a considerable increase on the numbers recorded at the 2022 edition in Qatar. A study from the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) has found that 12% of its surveyed respondents of all ages will likely place a bet on a game.

A separate survey by the Nationwide bank has found that 83% of 18-24-year-olds expect to bet more during the World Cup than normal, while a worrying 25% of the respondents in this range bet in the belief that they can ‘get more money to pay essential bills.’

Raminta Diliso, of GamCare, said of the alarming findings:

"We’re particularly concerned about young adults who may be at-risk this summer, with more games and overnight fixtures offering more opportunities to gamble.

"We urge anyone struggling with gambling to make use of bank gambling blocks and contact the National Gambling Helpline for free support."