Summary
- The Yield Sec survey reshapes our understanding of both the legal and illegal online gambling markets in the United States.
- According to the survey, revenue from illegal online gambling is expanding at double the pace of its regulated counterpart.
- In the United States, a staggering 88% of online users come across illegal gambling, and remarkably, 74% of the industry's earnings are fueled by these unlawful activities.
A fresh survey by Yield Sec, supported by the Campaign for Fairer Gambling, has sparked serious questions about the true size of the U.S. gambling market and the staggering amount that may be flowing through illegal channels. The analysis suggests that a surprising 74% of the $90.1 billion online gambling industry in America could be tied to illegal activities. This concerning finding has already captured the attention of major publications like Forbes and Bloomberg.
Yield Sec says the vast majority of online gambling in the US is illegal
Consider the analysis with caution, as it presents a fresh perspective on the true size of the online gambling market in the country, especially in the context of how widespread illegal gambling has become amidst increased regulatory scrutiny and enhanced consumer protection measures. The survey reveals a concerning trend: illegal gambling revenue surged by 64% in 2024, nearly doubling the 36% increase in revenue from regulated online gambling. Yield Sec’s survey highlights a startling reality: 88% of all U.S. online users are already encountering illicit gambling content and platforms. Illegal gambling sites continue to infiltrate search engines and social media, employing strategies like streaming and apps. Yet, the responsibility is not on a single entity alone. Ismail Vali, Founder and CEO of Yield Sec, stresses that this issue extends beyond just the regulators. He argues that regulators should focus on the licensed market, while other crucial players—social media platforms, governments, law enforcement—must step up. We can't just point fingers at the gambling regulators. Their role is to oversee the legal market, not to track down unlicensed criminals. Illegal gambling concerns us all: operators, law enforcement, media companies, social platforms, and governments must all contribute. At Yield Sec, we guide legal stakeholders in identifying, exposing, and eradicating crime from the marketplace, because until this fight is won, it’s your money being taken. For America in 2025, let's drive crime out of online gambling for good.
Yield Sec posts concrete data about illegal gambling sites and affiliates
Yield Sec took a deep dive into the murky waters of illegal gambling and uncovered a startling truth: 917 illegal online gambling operators are actively targeting users in the US, compared to just 95 that are regulated. This imbalance is staggering. Moreover, the company revealed that 668 affiliates are promoting these illegal platforms, while a mere 106 are supporting legitimate brands. The financial impact is equally alarming, with illegal gambling operators amassing a staggering $67.1 billion in revenue, dwarfing the $23 billion generated by their regulated counterparts.
