The Betting & Gaming Council (BGC) has issued a stark warning about the rapid growth of illegal gambling, describing it as a 'wake-up call' for the industry. According to H2 Gambling Capital, illegal gambling stakes are projected to surge from £17 billion in 2025 to more than £33 billion by 2028.
BGC Chief Executive Sounds Alarm
Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the BGC, stated: 'The black market is growing fast, becoming more visible and attracting billions of pounds in stakes from British consumers. These forecasts are a wake-up call for everyone involved in protecting consumers.'
She highlighted that illegal operators are targeting British consumers through online advertising on social media, processing payments via legitimate financial systems, and exploiting enforcement gaps. 'If policymakers fail to tackle this growing threat, more gambling will take place in environments with no safeguards, no oversight and no consumer protections,' she added.
Nearly One in Five Online Gambling Pounds at Risk
The BGC agrees with H2's forecasts, indicating that within three years, nearly one in five online gambling pounds could go to unlicensed betting sites, unregulated online casinos, and other illegal gambling platforms. In response, the BGC is calling for immediate action from the government, regulators, and companies to address the black market.
Hurst emphasized: 'This is not simply an issue for the regulated industry. It is a consumer protection issue, a public health issue and a criminal justice issue. Government, regulators, technology companies and payment providers must work together to stop illegal operators reaching British consumers, cut off their funding and hold those who facilitate their activities accountable.'
