BGC Warns UK Black Market Gambling Accelerates
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has raised concerns over the rapid growth of the illegal gambling market in the UK, warning that recent tax changes in the Budget may accelerate this trend.
As the new tax year begins, the rate of Remote Gaming Duty has risen from 21% to 40%, following last year’s Autumn Budget announcement. The BGC cautions that higher taxes on regulated operators could push more players toward unlicensed operators, which do not pay taxes, follow regulations or provide player safeguards.
The regulated betting and gaming sector, by contrast, supports 109,000 jobs, contributes £6.8 billion to the UK economy, generates £4 billion in tax revenue and funds British sports while upholding world-class standards in player protection.
Concerns are also growing around proposed Financial Risk Assessments. While ministers promised frictionless checks, trials using Credit Reference Agency data have already produced inconsistent results. The BGC warns that requiring players to submit sensitive financial information could push them toward illegal sites.
Grainne Hurst, CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council, said the black market is a current, not future, problem. She highlighted that illegal operators offer better odds and larger incentives because they avoid taxes and regulations, while regulated firms face rising costs. Hurst also noted that poorly implemented Financial Risk Assessments risk driving players away from the licensed market entirely.
