BGC challenges tech platforms over illegal gambling threat

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has publicly challenged Britain's largest technology companies to take greater responsibility for tackling the growing illegal gambling black market.

In an open letter signed by BGC Chief Executive Grainne Hurst, the industry body warned that unlicensed operators are increasingly using social media platforms, search engines, messaging services and digital advertising networks to reach British consumers.

The letter argues that illegal gambling operators are exploiting digital platforms. They’re targeting self-excluded gamblers, vulnerable individuals and people actively seeking support for gambling-related harm.

Growing concerns over online black market activity

According to the BGC, these operators sit entirely outside the UK's regulated gambling framework. They are not licensed by the Gambling Commission. They don’t, therefore, follow British consumer protection rules and do not contribute to research, prevention or treatment programmes.

The organisation argued that despite the advanced technology available to major digital platforms, illegal gambling content remains widely accessible online.

Referencing comments made by Gambling Commission Executive Director Tim Miller earlier this year at ICE, the BGC highlighted ongoing concerns around the visibility of promotions for so-called "not on GamStop" gambling sites.

The letter stated that consumers who have made the decision to self-exclude from gambling should not be exposed to advertising encouraging them to use unlicensed operators.

"Consumers need outcomes, not meetings. Action, not attendance. Results, not good intentions." — Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive, Betting and Gaming Council

Industry points to rising black market figures

The BGC also cited research suggesting the scale of the problem is growing.

According to data referenced in the letter, analysis from WARC suggests illegal operators now account for almost half of Britain's gambling advertising spend. This could surpass the regulated sector by 2028.

Meanwhile, forecasts from H2 Gambling Capital indicate that stakes placed with black market operators could rise from £17bn to £33bn by 2028.

The organisation warned that every customer diverted to the black market is removed from the protections available within the regulated sector. This includes:

• Affordability checks.
• Safer gambling tools.
• Access to support services.

Call for stronger cooperation

While acknowledging that tackling illegal gambling requires different approaches across paid advertising and user-generated content, the BGC said the issue can no longer be ignored.

The letter noted that some technology companies already participate in the Gambling Commission's Illegal Gambling Taskforce. It also questioned whether current efforts are sufficient to match the scale of the threat.

In one of the letter's most direct passages, the BGC stated that consumers need "action, not attendance" and "results, not good intentions".

BGC's requests to technology platforms

The organisation called on technology companies to:

A challenge to the technology sector

The letter concludes by describing illegal gambling as more than simply an industry issue. It frames it as a wider consumer protection and public policy challenge.

Rather than calling for confrontation, the BGC said it wants closer collaboration between regulators, technology firms, law enforcement agencies and the regulated gambling sector.

However, the message to Britain's tech companies was clear: with illegal gambling continuing to grow online, the organisation believes the time for discussion has passed and that stronger action is now required.