The sale of illegal crypto casino accounts on mainstream social media platforms has raised concerns about the accessibility of unregulated gambling sites in the UK. Sky News has uncovered hundreds of ‘ready-to-gamble’ accounts openly advertised, highlighting the ease with which British individuals can access these high-risk platforms. The findings have prompted calls for increased regulatory measures to address the proliferation of such accounts and protect vulnerable individuals, including children and those with gambling disorders.
Proliferation of Advertisements on Mainstream Social Media
An in-depth investigation by Sky News revealed that these accounts, primarily linked to one of the largest crypto casinos, Stake.com, are actively promoted and sought after by buyers. The adverts were predominantly spotted on Facebook and Discord, with no evidence of endorsement from the crypto casinos themselves. The accounts come pre-verified, allowing buyers to circumvent the typical registration and identification requirements, posing a significant loophole in the regulation of online gambling.
“The findings have prompted calls for increased regulatory measures to protect vulnerable individuals. ”
Concerns about Consumer Protection and Public Well-being
Anti-gambling advocates have expressed concerns about the addictive nature of crypto casinos, particularly for individuals with existing gambling issues and underage users. The accessibility and allure of these unregulated platforms, coupled with the involvement of social media in their promotion, highlight the urgent need for collaborative efforts from regulatory authorities, social media companies, and the gambling industry to address this growing threat to consumer protection and public well-being.
