UKGC Drop Black Market Hint; Problem Gambling Discussed Too

The United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) Policy Director Ian Angus used a keynote speech yesterday to discuss two major topics. Speaking at the Institute of Licensing Gambling Conference, Angus outlined the UKGC’s approach to black market gambling, as well as raising the issue of problem betting.

Over the past few months, the UKGC has had to contend with a whole host of regulatory modifications. Not only that, but they’ve also had to deal with personnel changes, most notably the departure of Chief Executive, Andrew Rhodes. Nevertheless, the Commission remains unwavering in doubling down on its key principles.

Reshaping the black market approach

Notions of black market gambling and its inexorable rise have become more problematic recently. Figures bandied about have shown that in the past five years, the UK’s black market has soared from 0.43% to 9% of Gross Gambling Revenue (GGR), prompting fear among industry leaders, including Entain.

Over the next three years, it has been confirmed that the UKGC will receive £26 million from the government to ramp up efforts to thwart black market gambling. Angus has revealed that more strategic work may be required to go a bit deeper, but he also admitted that resources have been squeezed in the past.

He said:

“We have always been a little hamstrung by the size of our own resources in this space, but this funding will give us a capability now to do a bit more in the land-based space than we’ve ever been able to do before.

“We also intend to look to see how we can encourage innovation and improvements to the customer experience, alongside making gambling safe and fair. This could include a strategic piece of work to review the impact and burden of current regulatory requirements. Such a review would be consistent with the Government’s agenda, but it requires resources as well.”

High street gambling claim disputed

Aside from keeping the black market at arm’s length, the UKGC has also been compiling data on problem gambling. Angus suggested that the stats on betting premises gathered for March and September 2025 were broadly the same, although there were 39 more Adult Gaming Centres (AGCs) and 20 more premises overall.

However, Angus was quick to dismiss media suggestions that there would be an “explosion” in high street gambling premises. Rather, the impact felt by the tax hikes in the November budget has been acute.

Many operators are in the process of dismantling their retail empire, including William Hill, who revealed that they will be closing 200 of its betting shops on May 24.

Reaffirming pledges

Ultimately, the UKGC has plenty in its in-tray, but the black market remains a salient concern. However, Angus reminded the audience in his speech that the UKGC remains steadfast in achieving its targets.

He added:

“Powers aside though, it is the collaboration between local authorities and the Commission that helps deliver on our shared goals of safer, fairer, and crime free gambling.

“2026 sees a changing world, but to some extent change has always been the case  when it comes to gambling. At the Gambling Commission we will continue to work with our partners where we share the same goals. We remain committed to that collaboration and whatever else is changing in the world, that will not.”