Illicit Live Sports Streaming Fuels Massive Black Market in Online Gambling, CFG Reports
New York, NY – June 26, 2025 – A significant and concerning trend has emerged within the American sports landscape, with the Coalition for Government (CFG) revealing that the illegal streaming of live sports is directly contributing to a burgeoning $67 billion black market in online gambling. The findings, published today by PR Newswire Sports, paint a stark picture of how illicit activities are undermining legitimate industries and potentially impacting consumer protection.
The report, titled “America Is Being Stolen From,” highlights a direct correlation between the widespread availability of unauthorized live sports broadcasts and the substantial growth of unregulated online gambling operations. According to CFG, millions of Americans seeking to watch their favorite sports without costly subscriptions or geographically restricted access are turning to illegal streaming services. These platforms, often operating in a legal gray area or outright illegally, provide access to a vast array of sporting events, from major league games to international competitions.
However, the accessibility of these pirated streams comes with a significant hidden cost. The CFG report asserts that a substantial portion of the revenue generated by these illegal streaming operations is being funneled into supporting and expanding illicit online gambling activities. These offshore or unregistered gambling sites offer a wide range of betting options on sporting events, often without the consumer protections, regulatory oversight, or responsible gambling measures found in legal, licensed operations.
The $67 billion figure represents the estimated size of this black market, a staggering sum that underscores the scale of the problem. This illicit economy not only deprives legitimate sports leagues, broadcasters, and governments of revenue through lost advertising, subscription, and tax income but also poses considerable risks to consumers. Without regulatory oversight, individuals engaging in these black market gambling activities may face issues such as unfair game outcomes, unsecure payment processing, and a lack of recourse in case of disputes.
The CFG’s statement emphasizes the interconnectedness of these illicit activities, suggesting that the demand for free or low-cost sports viewing inadvertently bolsters the infrastructure and customer base for illegal gambling. This creates a self-perpetuating cycle that is proving challenging to break.
While the report does not provide specific recommendations in this particular release, the strong assertion that “America is being stolen from” indicates a call for increased awareness and potentially more robust enforcement actions. The implications of this growing black market extend beyond financial losses, touching upon issues of intellectual property rights, consumer safety, and the integrity of both the sports industry and the gambling market. As this trend continues, further discussion and potential collaborative efforts between industry stakeholders, policymakers, and law enforcement agencies are likely to be crucial in addressing this complex and rapidly evolving issue.
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PR Newswire Sports published ‘”America Is Being Stolen From”: Illegal Streaming of Live Sports is Fueling a $67 Billion Black Market in Online Gambling, says CFG’ at 2025-06-26 12:18. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.