The British Betting & Gaming Council projects that illegal gambling operators could see up to GBP 800 million in bets during the English Premier League season, raising concerns about regulatory effectiveness and player protection
The British Betting & Gaming Council (BGC) has issued a warning that illegal gambling operators could capture as much as GBP 800 million in wagers during the current English Premier League season. The projection highlights ongoing concerns about the scale of unregulated betting in Great Britain, especially as the league remains one of the most popular sporting events for bettors worldwide.
Illegal Market Growth During EPL
According to the BGC, the illegal gambling market is expected to see significant activity throughout the Premier League campaign. The council estimates that GBP 20 million was already wagered with unlicensed operators during the opening weekend alone. If current trends continue, the total amount staked with illegal sites could reach GBP 800 million ($1.09 billion) by the end of the season. The BGC further cautioned that this figure could climb to GBP 1 billion in future seasons if planned increases to the general betting duty take effect in April 2027, potentially making the regulated market less competitive.
Regulatory and Advertising Shifts
The BGC has expressed support for the Premier League's decision to remove gambling company logos from the front of players' jerseys, a move intended to address concerns about the visibility of betting brands. However, the council argues that reducing regulated advertising does not eliminate demand for betting, but instead risks driving more players to unlicensed operators. The BGC also points to expert analysis suggesting that nearly half of all UK gambling advertising spend now comes from unlicensed companies, further complicating efforts to protect consumers.
Calls for Stronger Government Action
Grainne Hurst, CEO of the BGC, emphasized that while millions of fans are expected to place bets with regulated operators, the illegal market remains a serious threat. Hurst noted that unlicensed operators do not pay taxes, contribute to responsible gambling initiatives, or adhere to consumer protection standards. The BGC is urging the government to prioritize enforcement against illegal gambling and to avoid policy changes that could weaken the regulated sector's ability to compete. The council warns that measures such as higher betting taxes may unintentionally push more players toward unregulated sites, increasing risks for consumers.
While the focus is currently on the Premier League, the broader issue of illegal gambling has implications across the UK gaming sector. For example, the growth of progressive jackpots and record payouts, such as the recent milestone at Caesars Virginia, continue to draw attention to both the opportunities and risks in regulated and unregulated markets. A recent record table game jackpot at Caesars Virginia illustrates how regulated environments can offer significant player protections and transparency compared to the black market.
Understanding the difference between betting handle and revenue is essential in evaluating these figures. Betting handle refers to the total amount wagered by players, not the amount operators retain as revenue. In the context of illegal gambling, high handle numbers indicate the scale of unregulated activity but do not reflect profits or losses for operators or players. Regulatory efforts often focus on reducing illegal handle to protect consumers and ensure that gambling taxes and safeguards remain within the legal market.
