The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has introduced a five-point strategy aimed at tackling the growth of illegal gambling in the UK, warning that stronger action is needed to protect consumers from fraud, criminal activity and gambling-related harm.
Representing around 90% of the regulated betting and gaming sector, the organisation is calling on government, regulators, technology firms and payment providers to work together against unlicensed operators targeting UK customers.
Forecasts from H2 Gambling Capital suggest black market stakes could rise from £17bn in 2025 to more than £33bn by 2028. Under those estimates, almost one in five online gambling stakes could be placed with illegal operators within three years.
According to the BGC, consumers who use unlicensed platforms lose access to safeguards such as age verification, identity checks and dispute resolution procedures.
Advertising and Website Controls
The first recommendation focuses on removing illegal gambling advertising. The BGC wants social media platforms to take greater responsibility for identifying and deleting content that promotes unlicensed operators.
The organisation cited analysis from WARC showing that illegal operators account for almost half of UK gambling advertising expenditure and could surpass licensed businesses by 2028. It argues that quicker removal of such content would reduce consumer exposure and help protect vulnerable groups.
The second measure calls for stronger powers for the UK Gambling Commission to block illegal websites and remove unlicensed gambling applications. The BGC said criminal operators frequently create new websites designed to resemble legitimate brands, making enforcement increasingly difficult.
Financial and Enforcement Measures
The third point seeks to prevent payment providers from processing transactions linked to illegal gambling businesses. The BGC argues that restricting payment channels would weaken the financial networks that support black market activity.
The fourth recommendation targets companies that knowingly provide services such as advertising, payment processing or hosting to illegal operators. The organisation said those enabling such activities should face meaningful penalties.
Industry Calls for Tougher Sanctions
The final proposal advocates stronger criminal penalties for individuals and organisations involved in illegal gambling operations.
Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “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. If current trends continue, black market gambling stakes could exceed £33bn within three years, with almost one in every five pounds staked online potentially ending up with illegal operators.
“That should concern anyone who cares about consumer protection and reducing gambling-related harm.”
Hurst added that illegal operators continue to target UK consumers through social media and established payment systems while operating outside regulatory requirements.
The BGC welcomed the creation of the Government’s Black Market Taskforce but said further action is required. It called for closer cooperation between regulators, law enforcement agencies, technology companies and payment providers to disrupt illegal operators and strengthen consumer protection.
Source:
“BGC launches five-point plan to stop illegal gambling black market”, bettingandgamingcouncil.com, Jun 8, 2026
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