SBC News has heard the responses of GAMSTOP and the UKGC or UK Gambling Commission on the issue of a black market casino unrestricted promotion to online audiences through a global PR newswire.
SBC News uncovered an advertisement for MyStake recently. MyStake is an unlicensed igaming provider branding itself as the Best Online Casino Not on GamStop for UK Players.
GlobeNewswire distributed the promotion. The international press release service offers unrestricted access to business news from various publishers. It published a PR promoting MyStake and its no-GamStop casino, and Google News UK later indexed it.
Users can view press releases without an account. GlobeNewswire automatically sends them to email inboxes. This happens if users subscribe to its newsletter. This is how SBC News caught wind of the promotion. However, it could just as easily have been a UK resident suffering from gambling harm. They may have self-excluded through GAMSTOP.
MyStake’s website does not claim UKGC licensing, and the UK Gambling Commission does not list the company in its register of licensed UK gambling firms.
Player protection requirements for licensed entities include session limits, wagering ceilings, game speed controls, and, most importantly, support tools. These tools are designed to assist those in need of gambling harm assistance, such as a direct link to the National Gambling Helpline or the GAMSTOP self-exclusion option.
The appearance of an offshore gambling ad on a highly-visible communications platform does raise concerns on whether the Commission can restrict such brazen attempts to target at-risk consumers to engage with illicit casinos.
A UKGC spokesperson responded to SBC News. They said they are aware of the shameless advertising of unlicensed gambling. The ads are clearly targeting vulnerable people.
The spokesperson added that they are taking, and will continue to take, action to disrupt the unlicensed market. They are working with technology platforms like search engines, enforcement agencies such as HMRC, and key facilitators like payment providers and advertisers.
