A recent survey conducted by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has revealed shocking statistics about the extent of illegal gambling in the UK. The survey predicts that a staggering £2.7 billion is being bet annually on the black market, with a significant portion of this being done online.
The BGC, which represents the regulated betting and gaming industry in the UK, conducted the survey in order to shed light on the scale of illegal gambling in the country. The findings have been met with concern from both industry insiders and regulators, who fear that the black market is not only facilitating illegal activity, but also putting consumers at risk.
According to the survey, the illegal gambling market in the UK is thriving, with an estimated 200,000 people placing bets on unregulated websites each year. This represents a significant challenge for the regulated sector, which is subject to strict rules and regulations designed to protect players and ensure fair play.
The BGC has warned that the rise of the black market is not only a threat to consumers, but also to the UK economy as a whole. Illegal gambling operators do not pay taxes or contribute to the funding of problem gambling support services, meaning that the money being bet on unregulated websites is effectively being siphoned away from the public purse.
In response to the survey findings, the BGC has called on the UK government to take action to combat illegal gambling. This includes cracking down on unlicensed operators, blocking access to illegal websites, and increasing penalties for those found to be breaking the law.
The BGC’s Chief Executive, Michael Dugher, has expressed his concern about the impact of illegal gambling on the industry. He commented, “These figures are deeply worrying and show the urgent need for action to clamp down on illegal sites. The black market not only poses a threat to consumers, but also undermines the integrity of our industry and the efforts of responsible operators.”
The findings of the survey have sparked a debate within the industry about how best to tackle the issue of illegal gambling. While some argue that stricter enforcement measures are needed, others believe that more needs to be done to educate consumers about the risks of gambling on unregulated websites.
In the meantime, the BGC has pledged to continue monitoring the situation and working with the government to find solutions to the growing problem of illegal gambling in the UK. With £2.7 billion at stake, the stakes have never been higher.
