The illegal gambling black market is drawing renewed attention in the UK as unlicensed operators continue to reach consumers through major online platforms. The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has called on technology companies to step up enforcement efforts. The trade body says stronger action is needed to protect vulnerable consumers from unregulated gambling sites.

  • In an open letter to Britain’s technology platforms, BGC chief executive Grainne Hurst warned that illegal gambling operators remain highly visible online. The letter said these businesses use social media, search engines, messaging apps and advertising networks to attract customers. It also claimed that self-excluded and vulnerable consumers are among those being targeted.
  • The BGC pointed to comments made by Gambling Commission executive director Tim Miller at the ICE conference earlier this year. Miller highlighted how promotions for unlicensed and “not on GamStop” gambling sites can still be found online. The trade body said consumers who have chosen to self-exclude should not be encouraged back into gambling through illegal operators.
  • According to research cited in the letter, the illegal gambling black market is growing rapidly. WARC (World Advertising Research Center) estimates that illegal operators now account for almost half of all gambling advertising spend in Britain and could overtake the regulated sector by 2028. According to industry forecasts stakes placed with black market operators could rise from GBP 17bn (ca. EUR 19.6bn) to GBP 33bn (ca. EUR 38.1bn) over the same period.
  • Hurst argued that technology companies already have the tools needed to address the issue. The letter noted that platforms possess large amounts of data, advanced detection systems and AI capabilities that can identify harmful content at scale. It added that the challenge now is whether enough resources are being dedicated to enforcement.
  • The BGC called for a coordinated response involving technology companies, regulators and law enforcement agencies. Recommendations included removing illegal gambling advertising before it reaches consumers, increasing intelligence sharing and publishing more information on enforcement activity. 

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