The amount staked with illegal gambling operators in the UK is forecast to almost double by 2028, according to new independent analysis.

Research by H2 Gambling Capital (H2GC) shows black market stakes are expected to surge from £17bn in 2025 to more than £33bn by 2028.

That means almost one fifth (19.2%) of all online betting and gaming stakes could be placed with unsafe, unregulated black market operators within three years.

The Betting and Gaming Council warned the figures underline the growing scale and speed of the illegal gambling market, which operates outside UK rules, pays no tax, and offers none of the safer gambling protections required of licensed operators.

Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “These forecasts are a wake-up call. The black market is not a distant threat, it is growing fast, becoming more visible, and attracting billions of pounds in stakes from British customers.

“By 2028, almost one in five pounds staked online could be with illegal operators. These sites pay no UK tax, support no British jobs, and offer none of the protections that exist in the regulated sector.

“The lesson for policymakers is clear. If the regulated market is made less competitive through higher taxes or intrusive checks, customers will not stop betting, they will simply move to the black market.

“As the Gambling Commission considers financial risk assessments, it is vital that any checks are genuinely frictionless and targeted. Any policy that unintentionally drives even more customers towards illegal operators will undermine player safety and damage the regulated sector.

“That is why ministers and regulators must avoid measures that hand an advantage to the black market.”

The regulated betting and gaming sector supports 109,000 jobs, contributes £6.8bn to the economy, generates £4bn in tax each year and provides vital funding for sports, including horseracing.

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The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has appointed Kane Purdy, Managing Director at Gamesys Operations Limited, as the new non-executive Chair with immediate effect.

Kane takes on the role after 20 years in the betting and gaming industry, bringing extensive operational experience, deep sector knowledge and a strong track record of leadership across the regulated sector.

In addition to his role at Gamesys Operations Limited – part of Bally’s Intralot – Kane has played an active role in driving industry collaboration, including as Chair of GamProtect, the single customer view initiative designed to enhance player protection and raise standards across the industry.

The Chair position will be filled on a rotating basis by BGC members, with each term lasting 12 months.

Kane succeeds Executive Chair Michael Dugher, who stepped down earlier this year after six years at the BGC.

Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive Officer of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “Kane brings a huge amount of experience, expertise and talent to this role, built over two decades in the industry.

“He is a highly respected leader with a deep understanding of both the opportunities and the responsibilities that come with operating in a regulated environment. He has also demonstrated a strong commitment to collaboration, helping to drive forward initiatives that strengthen standards and protections across the sector.

“I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to champion our members, raise standards and support a well-regulated industry that delivers for customers, the economy and communities across the country.”

Kane Purdy, Managing Director at Gamesys Operations Limited and non-executive Chair of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “I am honoured and delighted to take on the role of Chair of the Betting and Gaming Council.

“After 20 years in the industry, I understand the importance of working collectively to meet challenges, raise standards and ensure the regulated sector continues to thrive.

“I look forward to working collaboratively with Grainne and the team, as well as with members from across the industry, to build on the strong progress already made and help shape the future direction of the BGC.”

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The harmful gambling black market cashed in during the Grand National, with up to £100m potentially staked with illegal operators across the Aintree Festival, including as much as £40m on the big race alone, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has warned.

The Grand National is one of the biggest betting events in the sporting calendar, attracting millions of punters and billions in wagers each year.

But these figures underline the growing threat posed by illegal gambling operators, who target major events while offering none of the protections required of regulated firms.

The BGC warned that rising costs on licensed operators, alongside the threat of increasingly intrusive checks requiring customers to hand over personal financial details, risk driving more punters towards the unsafe, unregulated market.

Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “The Grand National is one of the biggest moments in the sporting calendar, enjoyed safely by millions.

“But the criminal harmful black market will also have tried to cash in, targeting punters with illegal betting that offers zero protections.

“Rising costs and increasingly intrusive checks will only make it harder for legitimate operators to compete.

“The priority must be keeping punters in the regulated market, where safeguards are in place, rather than driving them towards dangerous illegal operators.

“Licensed betting firms in Britain must meet strict standards, including age verification, anti-money laundering checks and safer gambling protections. By contrast, black market operators act outside the law and offer no safeguards to customers.”

The regulated betting and gaming sector supports over 109,000 jobs, contributes £6.8bn to the UK economy and raises £4bn in tax each year, while also providing vital funding for British horseracing.

The BGC said tackling the criminal gangs behind illegal gambling sites must remain a priority to protect punters and support the regulated sector.

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