About Ostaad Reports
Ostaad Reports is an independent editorial project covering the intersection of UK gambling regulation, offshore online gaming, and harm-reduction practice. We publish long-form research briefings for adult UK readers who want a serious account of a subject that is usually reported either as sanitised marketing or as moralising panic.
What we do
We publish research briefings on how the UK gambling market is structured, what the law does and does not permit, what happens on the offshore side of the regulatory boundary, and what practical harm-reduction options exist for readers who need them. Our editorial focus is descriptive and analytical rather than promotional. We are trying to explain a subject, not sell a subject.
What we do not do
We do not accept advertising from gambling operators, licensed or unlicensed. We do not carry affiliate links to gambling sites. We do not rank casinos, publish "top ten" lists, or otherwise generate revenue through customer referrals. Our editorial choices are not shaped by commercial relationships with any operator, platform, or affiliate network. This is not a moral flex — it is the only way to write about the offshore market without conflict of interest, and it is why our site does not look like the other sites in this space.
Editorial standards
Our reporting draws on publicly available regulatory documents, published court decisions, parliamentary Hansard, academic research, industry statistics, and interviews with named professionals in the gambling regulation and treatment sectors. Where we express an opinion or analytical judgement, we say so and identify who is saying it. Where we cite a source, we link to it. Where we make a factual error, we correct it — visibly, at the point of error, dated.
Our writers are named on every page. Each writer has a specific area of expertise and reviewed credentials. Corrections, questions, and story tips are welcome via editorial [at] ostaadapp.com. We aim to reply to genuine queries within seven working days.
Funding and independence
Ostaad Reports is funded by its founding editors. It carries no advertising, sponsored content, or affiliate revenue. It does not accept donations from gambling operators, platform providers, licensing bodies, or affiliate networks. In the interest of transparency, it does accept small donations from readers via the standard non-commercial channels; a public accounting is published annually.
Editorial team
Our three-person editorial team covers the beat between them. Harriet Ellwood leads on policy and regulation. Declan Ó Ríordáin covers licensing and market structure. Priya Ranasinghe writes our harm-reduction and treatment coverage. Full bios appear on the articles they have written.
Contact
Editorial: editorial [at] ostaadapp.com
Corrections: corrections [at] ostaadapp.com
For press enquiries: press [at] ostaadapp.com
Disclaimer
Content on this site is provided for informational and research purposes only. It does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. Nothing on this site should be interpreted as an endorsement, recommendation, or invitation to gamble at any operator, licensed or unlicensed. Readers are responsible for compliance with applicable law in their jurisdiction. If gambling is causing you harm, please see our responsible gambling page.