The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has issued an open letter to Britain’s leading technology platforms calling for urgent action to tackle the growing threat posed by illegal gambling operators online.

The letter, signed by BGC Chief Executive Grainne Hurst, warns that black market gambling websites are increasingly using social media platforms, search engines, messaging services and digital advertising networks to reach consumers in Britain, including people who have self-excluded from gambling and those seeking support.

The intervention follows warnings from Gambling Commission Executive Director Tim Miller, who earlier this year highlighted the continued presence of illegal gambling advertising online, including promotions for so-called “not on GamStop” operators.

The BGC argues that illegal operators are exploiting digital platforms to access UK consumers while operating entirely outside the regulatory framework designed to protect them.

Unlike regulated operators, black market gambling websites are not licensed by the Gambling Commission, do not carry out customer protection measures, do not contribute to research, prevention and treatment services through the statutory levy, and do not pay UK tax.

Analysis by WARC suggests illegal operators now account for almost half of all gambling advertising spend in Britain and could overtake the regulated sector entirely by 2028. Separate analysis by H2 Gambling Capital forecasts that stakes with black market operators could grow from £17bn today to £33bn by 2028.

Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, said:

“The harmful black market is growing at an alarming rate, and illegal operators are exploiting online platforms to target British consumers.

“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.”

In the open letter, the BGC calls on technology companies to proactively identify and remove illegal gambling advertising, invest more resources in disrupting black market operators, strengthen cooperation with regulators and law enforcement, increase transparency around enforcement activity and work collectively to prevent vulnerable consumers being targeted by unlicensed operators.

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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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