Three major UK bookmakers that have frequently warned about the risks posed by illicit offshore gambling were found to have had a commercial agreement with one of the largest unlicensed casino networks. This revelation, uncovered through the recent Casino Secrets leak, raises concerns about the potential risks to players when companies linked to licensed operators engage with offshore sites that operate outside UK regulation.
The leaked documents reveal that Sports Information Services (SIS), a UK-based gambling content provider partly owned by Ladbrokes, William Hill, and Fred Done—the billionaire owner of Betfred—signed a contract in 2022 with the Santeda online casino network. Santeda holds a licence from Curaao but is not authorised to offer gambling services in the UK. The network has previously been fined in Spain for operating without a licence and has been accused of targeting vulnerable UK gamblers, including individuals attempting to quit gambling.
Under the terms of the deal, SIS supplied Santeda with live horse racing, greyhound, and esports content, along with betting data essential for settling bets and enhancing player experience. SIS reportedly earned a share of revenues from losing bets placed on Santedas platforms. Although it remains unclear whether the contract is still active, the arrangement highlights how critical player data and content can flow to offshore operators beyond the oversight of UK regulators.
For players, this situation highlights ongoing risks associated with the illicit gambling market. Offshore casinos often lack the consumer protections, responsible gambling tools, and fairness guarantees mandated by UK law. This absence can increase the likelihood of harm, including exposure to unregulated promotions and limited access to support services for gambling problems.
Licensed bookmakers have consistently warned that excessive regulation or taxation could push customers toward rogue operators. However, the disclosure that firms connected to prominent UK brands indirectly benefited financially from such a deal may undermine consumer trust and complicate efforts to combat illegal gambling.
Industry insiders indicate that the bookmakers owners were unaware of the SIS-Santeda contract due to internal controls designed to prevent access to sensitive commercial information about competitors. Despite this, gambling reform advocates have criticised the situation, urging firms to enhance transparency and strengthen player protections.
Players are advised to remain cautious about where they place bets and to use only operators licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. Licensed sites offer safeguards such as verified age checks, self-exclusion options, and access to support services that are not guaranteed with offshore casinos.
For additional information on UK gambling regulation and player protection, visit GamblingNews.today UK and Player Protection. The original investigation can be read at The Guardian.
In related news, concerns about gambling privacy practices continue to surface. A recent study revealed that many licensed UK gambling websites do not fully comply with data protection regulations, often nudging users to accept tracking before consent is given. This raises further questions about how player data is handled across the industry (The Guardian, Sept 2026).
Meanwhile, regulatory developments continue internationally. For example, Brazil recently banned fixed-odds sports betting ahead of its presidential election, aiming to reduce gambling-related debt among families (The Guardian, Sept 2026).
These events underscore the importance for players to stay informed about the regulatory status of operators and to prioritise licensed platforms that offer robust consumer protections.
- UK Bookmakers Linked to Offshore Casino Deal Despite Illicit - October 1, 2026
- Prediction Markets Face Player Risks Amid Regulatory - September 29, 2026
- UK Lords Urge Near-Total Ban on Gambling Ads to Cut Harm - September 17, 2026