BGC warns against becoming complacent regarding the misleading narrative about illegal gambling.

Grainne Hurst, CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council, has penned a new opinion piece originally featured in PoliticsHome. In it, she extensively discusses the black market—a topic the trade group has been focusing on for weeks and months. The BGC contends that the illegal market is expanding at an unparalleled pace, considerably increasing its influence.

In the article, the BGC contends that critics from both the trade group and the gambling industry downplay concerns about the black market unjustly. They emphasize that the black market—and every player it draws away—should worry policymakers and anti-gambling advocates. The BGC estimates the illegal gambling market in the UK is currently valued at £17bn and could reach £33bn by 2028, meaning one in five bets is placed through unlicensed operators. If we really intend to protect consumers, we must confront the growing threat from criminal gangs running the illegal gambling market, stated the BGC and Hurst. The trade group insisted that discussions on gambling policy often focus too much on restricting regulated operators, overlooking what happens when customers become dissatisfied with the limited options available to them locally. Historically, the BGC reminded, consumers do not cease gambling due to increased regulations, product restrictions, or outright bans; instead, many seek alternatives. Illegal gambling operators, who are offshore entities targeting UK citizens without licenses, pose significant risks due to structural deficits in player protection. These sites often do not participate in self-exclusion programs like GAMSTOP and lack measures like age verification, customer protection, or anti-money laundering checks. Events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup further fuel illegal gambling activity.

The BGC has recognized the government's progress thus far, stating, This challenge requires a coordinated response. The Government's Illegal Gambling Taskforce is an encouraging step forward, but it must be supported by concrete action. Earlier this month, the BGC introduced a five-step action plan aimed at addressing these concerns and ensuring the government is actively working toward solving the problem of illegal gambling. The BGC also notes that too much effort has been focused on distinguishing between the legal and illegal markets, rather than asking a straightforward question: how can we encourage players to stay with licensed operators?