BGC Gets Tough With Five-Point Plan Shared To Curb Black Market

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has taken action to curb the growth of the black market by launching a cunning five-point plan. Recent figures from an H2 Gambling Capital Study estimated that illegal gambling stakes could double from £16.6 billion in 2025 to £33 billion by 2028, indicating the pressing problem facing the regulated industry.

The standards body, which roughly represents 90% of the licensed UK betting and gaming industry, feels now is the time to get tough. And they are hedging their bets on the contents of their concerted strategy to have the desired effect.

1. Stop illegal gambling advertising

At the top of the agenda for the BGC is urging social media companies to remove illegal gambling content and advertisements. Doing so would prevent British children and vulnerable bettors from being exposed.

In what they deem as a “rapidly growing issue”, the BGC cited analysis by marketing intelligence firm WARC. It was pointed out that illegal operators now account for half of all UK gambling advertising spend, while projected black market spend will overtake regulated operators by 2028.

2. Keep out illegal gambling sites

Although the government recently outlined the objectives for its Illegal Gambling Taskforce, the BGC insists the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) should be given greater powers to block black market sites and prevent criminal operators targeting British consumers.

Illegal operators, the BGC purports, are creating new websites and apps intended to mimic legitimate betting brands. However, the BGC wants regulators to close down rogue sites more quickly to stop consumers falling prey to unlicensed companies.

3. Cut off financial transactions

Clamping down on payment providers from facilitating money linked to black market gambling operators and cutting off the networks that supply the unregulated industry was covered in the BGC’s plan.

With black market share increasing to 8.7% in March 2025, the BGC suggests cutting off payments to unlicensed operators would damage the existing model. Moreover, it would make it eminently harder for illegal enterprises to function effectively.

4. Make enablers accountable

Introducing meaningful penalties for companies that “knowingly provide advertising, payment processing, hosting or other services” to illegal gambling businesses is hot on the agenda.

While regulated companies adhere to the rules, the BGC attests that illegal operators should be held accountable and face the consequences for relying on influencers or AI-generated content to attract consumers.

5. Introduce criminal sanctions

The BGC also wants tougher criminal sanctions to be imposed on those who “operate, support, or profit” from illegal gambling sites targeting UK consumers. Although stakes placed with black market operators, as previously mentioned, are on the rise, the BGC believe the penalties enforced should be a deterrent and reflect the “serious harm” caused to consumers.

Striking while the iron is hot

Of course, striking while the iron is hot and getting ahead of the black market operators is driving the BGC’s agenda. And BGC CEO, Grainne Hurst, who has repeatedly banged the drum for curbing black market growth, explained the rationale behind the five-point plan.

She said: “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.

“Our five-point plan sets out practical, targeted measures that would strike at the heart of the black market and better protect consumers.”

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