The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has repeated calls for the government and regulators to clamp down on black market gambling after forecasts suggested this week’s Royal Ascot could see £40m wagered through illegal betting websites and operators.
One of the annual highlights on the British horseracing calendar, Royal Ascot 2026 is taking place from 16-20 June. The five day event attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors. It also generates massive betting interest from across the United Kingdom and around the world.
However, while the majority of consumers will place bets through licensed operators, the trade group said illegal and unapproved operators will still likely profit from the event. On this, the association has again urged lawmakers to consider the wider impact of new rules on the market. It highlighted the recent increase in gambling tax and possible introduction of so called affordability checks as measures that could undermine the competitiveness of the regulated sector. The BGC warns these policies could inadvertently drive consumers towards unlicensed operators.
Open Letter Sent to Big Tech Infrastructure Platforms
The trade association has escalated its public warnings to target international distribution channels. The organization claims that digital ad networks are actively enabling unlicensed companies to poach local regulated consumer traffic.
Grainne Hurst, BGC Chief Executive, detailed the consumer safety risks present in the parallel market:
“The illegal black market offers customers none of the protections found in the regulated sector, while making no contribution whatsoever to the sport they seek to profit from. As evidence continues to show the black market is growing, it is vital that policy decisions support a thriving regulated market which protects customers and helps keep gambling crime at bay.”
In related news, the trade group has penned an open letter to Britain major technology platforms. The communication calls for urgent action to tackle the threat posed by illegal gambling operators online. The letter warns that illegal operators are increasingly using digital channels such as social media and search engines. They also use messaging apps and online advertising networks to target United Kingdom consumers.
According to the group these sites are reaching vulnerable individuals. This includes self excluded gamblers and people seeking support for gambling related harm. Technology platforms were urged to identify and remove illegal gambling ads.
Hurst concluded the industrial message by demanding a stronger corporate response from tech executives:
“Technology companies have some of the most advanced tools, data and expertise in the world. The question is no longer whether this problem can be addressed, but whether enough is being done. Every consumer drawn towards an illegal operator is being pulled away from the protections of the regulated market. We are calling on technology platforms to match the scale of the threat with the scale of their response.”
