BGC launches Spot the Black Market campaign amid illegal gambling concerns

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has launched a new campaign aimed at helping players recognise illegal gambling websites. Concerns are growing that more bettors might be tempted to use unlicensed platforms.

 “Spot the Black Market” focuses on raising awareness of how illegal operators work. It shows people the risks of using them. Many of these sites operate outside the UK’s licensing system. This means they are not required to follow the same rules on player protection, identity checks or responsible gambling.

What’s its aim?

For the BGC, the goal is simple. They want to make it easier for consumers to tell the difference between regulated operators and those working outside of UK oversight.

The campaign forms part of a wider effort by the industry body to highlight the importance of a well-regulated market. This is also happening at a time when illegal gambling is a more visible topic in political and regulatory discussions.

Billions wagered with illegal operators

Estimates suggest the scale of the issue is huge.

"Many black market operators, and affiliate websites promoting them, openly highlight their "non-GAMSTOP" status, appealing to those seeking alternatives to regulated platforms. These specifically target players who have self-excluded, 
who are likely to have done so to control or prevent themselves from experiencing gambling-related harm." - BGC research 2024

Research commissioned by the  BGC in 2024 indicated that up to £2.7bn is staked with online black market operators each year in the UK. These platforms operate without a UK licence. They therefore fall outside the regulatory framework the Gambling Commission oversees.

Illegal sites do not contribute to the UK economy through taxation or industry funding. UK-licensed ones do.

The contrast with the regulated market is significant. According to BGC estimates, Britain’s licensed betting and gaming sector contributes around £6.8bn to the economy every year. It also supports around 109,000 jobs across the country.

That regulated ecosystem also provides substantial financial backing for British sport. This includes things like sponsorship deals and funding streams that help support leagues, clubs and events.

Growing political attention

The potential growth of the gambling black market has also begun attracting attention in Westminster.

In January, MPs raised the issue during a parliamentary debate following the government’s decision to increase remote gaming taxes in November. Some policymakers warned that higher costs within the regulated sector could unintentionally push certain players towards illegal alternatives.

At the centre of this debate is the concept of channelisation. This refers to the proportion of gambling activity taking place with licensed operators rather than unregulated sites.

If too many consumers shift towards the black market, regulators lose visibility over player behaviour. They also lose the ability to enforce safeguards designed to reduce harm.

Why the campaign matters

For the BGC, maintaining a strong regulated market remains the priority.

Illegal platforms often lack basic consumer protections, including deposit limits, identity checks and clear dispute resolution processes. In some cases, players may struggle to withdraw winnings or recover lost funds.

The “Spot the Black Market” campaign is therefore designed not just as an awareness exercise, but as a reminder of why licensed operators exist in the first place.

By encouraging players to stay within the regulated system, the industry body says it hopes to protect consumers while ensuring the betting sector continues to contribute to the wider UK economy and sporting landscape.