An investigation has uncovered a sophisticated network of illegal online casinos that are targeting vulnerable gamblers in the UK. The network, operating under the name Santeda International, includes brands such as MyStake, Velobet, Goldenbet, and Rolletto, all of which are accessible to UK punters without a licence from the Gambling Commission.
The face of MyStake, Andres Markou, appears to be an AI-generated decoy, deflecting attention from the true operators behind the network. Corporate documents suggest the network is linked to a business called Upgaming and a group of Georgian businessmen who are profiting from the unregulated operations.
These illegal casinos are not subject to UK laws that require protection for addicts and measures to prevent money laundering. They have been linked to fraud, financial harm, and even suicide. An inquest in January ruled that unlicensed operators were part of the 'factual matrix' that led 36-year-old Ollie Long to take his own life.
The casinos attract customers through affiliate websites that advertise gambling not restricted by GamStop, the UK's self-exclusion scheme. Gamblers who self-exclude can easily find ways to bypass the safety net, leading to significant financial losses. One gambler, Margaret, lost £23,000 after depositing £29,000 and being unable to withdraw winnings.
Labour MP Alex Ballinger has called for tougher laws, stating that these sites are deliberately targeting vulnerable people. The investigation, conducted by The Guardian and Investigate Europe, reveals the scale of the problem, with the network attracting an average of 2.3 million monthly unique visitors from the UK between November 2025 and January 2026.
