Tim Miller has criticised major tech platforms for failing to prevent gambling adverts targeting consumers excluded under GamStop, calling their inaction “nonsensical” given their technical capabilities elsewhere.
Speaking to Charlie Horner and SBC Editor-at-Large Ted Menmuir on iGaming Daily, the UK Gambling Commission’s Executive Director said the illegal gambling threat had evolved significantly in recent years, driven largely by changes in technology and how money moves online. He noted that locating illegal operators is not the Commission’s primary challenge.
“The issue is being able to take them down, especially when they’re based in other jurisdictions,” says Miller, pointing to law enforcement cooperation gaps with countries such as Russia as a key obstacle.
On big tech’s role, Miller was more direct in his criticism. He argued that social media platforms and search engines only act once pressured, removing illegal ads and sites after harm has already occurred rather than preventing them proactively.
“I find it almost incredible that tech billionaires competing to put a man on Mars claim they’re incapable of stopping non-GamStop ads appearing on their platforms,” says Miller.
The Commission executive confirmed it will soon gain new powers to pursue court orders for domain blocking at the internet service provider level, though he cautioned this would not single-handedly solve the issue, comparing enforcement to a “whack-a-mole” dynamic.
On the £26 million in additional government funding announced last November, Miller said the investment is being directed toward three areas: expanding the Commission’s illegal markets team, investing in detection technology, and strengthening international regulatory collaboration.
Miller also addressed crypto’s role in the illegal market, noting it ranks as the second most associated search term linked to consumers accessing unlicensed sites. He suggested there may be scope for licensed operators to eventually accept crypto deposits as regulatory clarity from the Financial Conduct Authority develops.
Watch the full episode here.
