Estimates from the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) suggest that unlicensed operators could generate around £1 billion in Premier League bets in the UK next season.
The BGC, representing the licensed gambling sector in Britain, highlighted that higher taxes are putting regulated operators under pressure, while unlicensed ones operate freely.
For the current 2026/27 season, the BGC predicts unlicensed operators to handle up to £800 million in Premier League bets.
During the opening weekend alone, an estimated £20 million was bet with illegal operators. The BGC analysis indicates that each round of ten Premier League fixtures could generate between £15 million and £20 million in black market stakes.
Projections show an expected increase of £200 million in the 2027/28 season, the first full season following a planned General Betting Duty hike in April 2027.
BGC’s Concern Over Competition
The BGC has been vocal about how higher taxes make regulated operators less competitive against offshore entities. BGC CEO Grainne Hurst emphasized the significant sums that black market gambling is drawing from Premier League betting.
“The criminal black market is profiting, taking millions per round of matches without providing the protections of the regulated sector,” Hurst stated.
She added, “These operators evade tax, contribute nothing, and have no oversight. Every pound they collect is a loss to British sports and the Treasury.”
H2 Gambling Capital forecasts suggest growth in the broader illegal market, with stakes in Britain estimated to rise from nearly £17 billion this year to over £33 billion by 2028.
WARC analysis revealed that unregulated operators now make up nearly half of UK gambling advertising spending.
Changes in Shirt Sponsorship
The Premier League’s ban on gambling brand sponsorships on club shirt fronts, starting this season, aligns with the BGC’s stance.
>The BGC supports government plans to prohibit Premier League clubs from accepting sponsorships from non-UK licensed gambling operators, advocating for such restrictions in all of British sports.
Hurst emphasized the importance of licensed operators competing while maintaining safe gambling, financial safeguards, and consumer protection standards.
“With illegal Premier League betting on track to hit £1 billion annually, we endorse actions that protect fans, uphold standards, and ensure customer safety in the regulated market,” she said.
The BGC urged continued prioritization of addressing groups behind illegal gambling websites, noting that the regulated sector supports jobs and contributes significantly to the UK economy.
In June, the BGC introduced a five-point strategy to combat the black market, emphasizing the need for stricter measures against illegal gambling advertising, payment processing, websites, and penalties for supporting unlicensed operators.