Published on: June 9, 2026, 07:12 AM.
Updated on: June 9, 2026, 07:12 AM.
- BGC warns illegal gambling stakes could surge to £33 billion
- Five-point strategy targets advertisements, payment systems, websites, and facilitators
- Industry voices concern that black market expansion jeopardizes consumer protection nationwide
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), the UK’s leading gambling trade association, unveiled a comprehensive five-point strategy on Monday aimed at obstructing the online networks that empower unlawful gambling websites to advertise, receive payments, and connect with UK customers.
Representing approximately 90% of the regulated betting and gaming market in Britain, the BGC is advocating for stricter actions from the government, the UK Gambling Commission, social media giants, search engines, and payment processors.
“The situation is already apparent. Unlawful operators are specifically targeting British consumers online, utilizing social media for advertising, and processing payments through legitimate financial institutions, taking advantage of enforcement gaps,” stated BGC CEO Grainne Hurst.
“If policymakers fail to address this escalating threat, more gambling activities will occur in settings devoid of safety measures, oversight, and consumer protections,” she underscored.
The initiative is prompted by H2 Gambling Capital’s projection that illegal gambling stakes, currently at £17 billion in 2025, could soar to over £33 billion by 2028. This trend would imply that one in every five pounds wagered online could be on unlicensed platforms, according to BGC. Hurst emphasized that these figures serve as a “wake-up call.”
Social Media Accountability
The BGC insists that social media firms must be held accountable for eliminating illegal gambling promotions and preventing unlicensed operators from targeting consumers, especially minors and vulnerable demographics.
Analysis by WARC indicates that illegal gambling operators currently account for close to half of the UK’s gambling advertising expenditure and could surpass licensed operators by 2028.
A second aspect of the strategy advocates for enhanced authority to block illegal gambling websites and eradicate unlicensed applications. Since April 2024, the Gambling Commission has intensified its disruption initiatives. The regulator reports it has issued 3,140 cease-and-desist orders, flagged 447,778 Google and Bing URLs tied to illegal gambling, and successfully removed 287,961 URLs.
According to the BGC, these actions must be intensified since illegal operators can swiftly launch new websites and impersonate legitimate brands while navigating online advertising channels faster than regulators can counteract.
Payment Provider Focus
The organization is also urging payment processors to terminate transactions associated with unlicensed gambling platforms. H2 Gambling Capital’s analysis revealed that both black market stakes and profits doubled between 2023 and 2025, indicating that illegal operators are solidifying their financial position.
The fourth recommendation is to impose significant penalties on companies that willingly assist illegal operators through advertising, payment processing, hosting, or other services.
The BGC argues that illegal gambling sites rely on a broader online framework, and companies profiting from these relationships should face repercussions.
Lastly, the council is advocating for stricter criminal penalties against those who operate, support, or profit from illegal gambling businesses aimed at UK consumers.
Taskforce on Illegal Gambling
This campaign has emerged weeks after the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport announced the formation of a new Illegal Gambling Taskforce.
This taskforce will unite gambling organizations, law enforcement, regulatory bodies, payment firms, and technology enterprises to address illegal gambling, prioritizing payments, online promotions, and cross-agency enforcement.
The BGC welcomed this development but stressed the necessity for tangible actions. Hurst noted that illegal sites do not implement safer gambling measures, proper identity verification, or age checks, and lack effective recourse for customers facing issues.
The BGC cautioned that policy decisions that render the regulated market less appealing could inadvertently drive more consumers toward unregulated sites. Their primary argument is that consumer protection relies not only on stricter regulations for licensed operators but also on keeping gamblers within a regulated market that offers safety measures, oversight, and conflict resolution mechanisms.