Online bookies accused of UK privacy breaches with use of cookie banners

A study by the University of Swansea’s GREAT Centre has revealed that 86% of licensed British gambling websites appear to be in breach of GDPR regulations regarding cookie banners and data tracking. Researchers found that many operators use “dark patterns” to manipulate users into accepting data sharing, while nearly a quarter of the 624 sites tested failed to provide an option to disable tracking software. Furthermore, two-thirds of the platforms began harvesting user data before obtaining explicit consent. Legal experts and privacy advocates have criticized the Information Commissioner’s Office for a perceived lack of meaningful enforcement against the gambling sector. While some operators claim their data collection practices are limited to legitimate operational needs, the study highlights systemic issues in how the industry handles consumer privacy, raising concerns about the potential for behavioral profiling and the exploitation of vulnerable users.