BGC CEO Implores More Decisive Approach to Black Market Gambling

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) CEO is trying to force the hand of UK policymakers by imploring them to be more decisive in their approach to combatting the growing threat posed by black market gambling.

Grainne Hurst, who was writing a column for Politics Home, has described the existential danger of black market gambling as one of the most “significant consumer protection issues” facing the industry. And she has taken the opportunity to press home her point.

Reframing the debate

As a champion of the regulated betting industry, Hurst has been extremely vocal on the matter. Figures presented by an H2 Gambling Capital Study showed that black market gambling is a more pervasive influence in the UK, as stakes with rogue operators could double from £16.6 billion in 2025 to £33 billion by 2028.

Moreover, the regulated industry has been facing a more challenging economic climate in the wake of the Budget unveiled last November. The rise in remote gaming duty, which was enforced in April, saw gambling taxes hiked from 21% to 40% of gross gambling yield (GGY), has been cited as a reason for driving players to the black market, but Hurst insists the contours of the debate need to be reframed.

In her column, Hurst wrote:

“The debate should be framed as a choice between regulation and no regulation. The real question is whether policies strengthen the regulated market or inadvertently drive consumers towards illegal alternatives.

“Well-designed regulation is essential. But regulation must also be proportionate, evidence-led and focused on achieving its intended outcomes. Policymakers should consider the cumulative effect of multiple interventions rather than drawing conclusions from individual measures in isolation.”

What are BGC doing to curb black market gambling?

Apart from lobbying to let themselves be heard, the BGC recently unveiled their five-pronged strategy to tackle black market gambling. A series of priorities were set out that included calling on social media companies to remove all gambling content and advertisements, which they believe would go some way to stopping British children and vulnerable bettors from being exposed.

Enforcing criminal sections was also floated in the BGC’s strategy. It was suggested that punishments should be imposed on those who “operate, support, or profit” from illegal gambling sites, and these should act as a deterrent to underline the “serious harm” caused to consumers.

Meanwhile, other research carried out by WARC indicated that illegal operators currently account for half of all UK gambling advertising spend, while projected black market spend is expected to surpass licensed operators by 2028. And despite the battle faced, the BGC insists the black market suppresses rather than promotes the best interests of bettors.

Black market not about point-scoring

Unsurprisingly, the BGC isn’t prepared to walk away from the black market debate. But Hurst insists point-scoring or squabbling over statistics should dictate the approach to quelling the influence of illegal operators.

She added:

“There is a fundamental difference between a regulated British business operating under the licence and an illegal offshore operator outside the law.

“One contributes to society through jobs, tax revenues and support for sport. The other simply extracts money from British consumers while avoiding responsibility. Whether the black market accounts for 5%, 9% or more today is not the point. The real question is whether policymakers are willing to act before it grows larger still.”