The UK Betting and Gaming Council has released staggering new estimates revealing that British consumers are spending an eye-watering £2.7 billion each year on illegal gambling websites. This shocking figure underscores the urgent need for stronger regulation and enforcement measures to combat the growing threat of unlicensed online gambling operators.
According to the UK Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), these illegal gambling sites pose a significant risk to consumers, as they operate outside of the established regulatory framework that governs licensed gambling operators in the UK. As a result, players who wager on these illicit platforms are not afforded the same protections and safeguards that are provided by licensed operators, leaving them vulnerable to a host of potential risks, including fraud, identity theft, and addiction.
The BGC estimates that there are currently around 200 illegal gambling websites targeting British consumers, with many of them masquerading as legitimate operators to deceive unsuspecting players. These rogue operators often lure players in with enticing bonuses and promotions, only to disappear with their money once they have made a deposit.
In response to these alarming findings, the BGC is calling on the government to take decisive action to crack down on illegal gambling sites and protect consumers from harm. The council is urging policymakers to implement stricter enforcement measures, including increased penalties for operators found to be operating illegally, as well as enhanced consumer education campaigns to raise awareness of the risks associated with unlicensed gambling.
In a statement, BGC chief executive Michael Dugher expressed grave concern over the proliferation of illegal gambling websites in the UK, warning that they pose a serious threat to the integrity of the country’s regulated gambling market. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between government, regulators, and industry stakeholders to address this pressing issue and ensure the safety and wellbeing of British consumers.
The BGC’s estimates regarding the scale of illegal online gambling in the UK are a sobering reminder of the urgent need for stronger regulation and enforcement measures to protect consumers from the risks posed by unlicensed operators. With billions of pounds at stake, it is clear that decisive action is needed to tackle this growing threat and safeguard the integrity of the UK’s gambling industry. So, it is crucial for the authorities to take prompt action to shut down these illegal operations and hold them accountable for their actions. Only then can British consumers be truly safe from the risks associated with illegal online gambling.