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The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has warned that proposed new tax measures for the UK gambling industry could lead to a significant rise in harmful illegal gambling.

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) admitted that the tax plans will reduce projected yield by around one-third, including £500 million lost by 2029-30 as consumers switch away from the regulated sector and towards the black market.

The OBR also states that around 90% of the duty increases will be passed on to consumers through higher prices or reduced payouts, making regulated products less attractive. It warns this will distort the market and drive more customers towards the illegal black market, where there are no protections, no tax contributions and no safer gambling checks.

Despite these warnings, the Government continues to claim the measures will raise £1.1 billion, a figure that industry experts, independent analysts including EY, and the BGC believe will not be achieved.

Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “The Government’s own figures show these tax plans will cause significant damage. Industry analysis based on modelling from EY finds that nearly 17,000 high-tech jobs will be lost across online betting and gaming, with over £6 billion in stakes diverted to the black market – a 140% increase in its size.

“These proposals also threaten shop closures, further job losses and a less competitive online market, meaning lower, not higher, long-term tax revenues. They also push more customers to the black market, where there are no protections, no taxes and no safeguards.”

The regulated betting and gaming sector currently contributes £6.8 billion to the UK economy, supports over 109,000 jobs, and provides £4 billion in taxes, including vital funding for racing, sport and tourism. But further tax rises threaten to weaken one of the UK’s most internationally competitive digital industries at a time when the illegal market is expanding rapidly.

The post BGC: New Tax Measures Could Spark a Sharp Increase in Harmful Illegal Gambling appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Betting and Gaming Council CEO, Grainne Hurst, said: “Massive tax increases for online betting and gaming announced in the Budget make them among the highest in the world, and are a devastating hammer blow to tens of thousands of people working in the industry across the UK, and millions of customers who enjoy a bet.

“Regulated betting and gaming is one of the UK’s few globally successful sectors, generating £6.8bn for the economy, contributing over £4bn in tax and supporting 109,000 jobs, while delivering vital funding for British sport.

“While we welcome the decision not to raise land-based duties and to scrap bingo duty – these excessive online tax increases will undermine jobs, investment and growth across the UK.

“The Government’s Budget is a massive win for the incredibly harmful, unsafe, unregulated gambling black market, which pays no tax and offers none of the protections that exist in the regulated sector.

“These decisions are bad for jobs, bad for customers, bad for sports – and bad for safer gambling.”

The post BGC Response to the Budget appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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This year’s Safer Gambling Week runs from 17-23 November 2025, bringing the whole industry together to further promote safer gambling by highlighting the tools available to help customers stay in control, while signposting help and advice to those who need it.

Organised by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), BACTA and the Bingo Association, Safer Gambling Week is now in its ninth year. The initiative will once again deliver a range of safer gambling messages both online and in land-based venues, helping to spark a nationwide conversation about betting responsibly.

Analysis of last year’s successful campaign confirmed that more than 1.5 million unique accounts used a safer gambling tool during the week, representing a 22% year-on-year increase. Deposit limits rose by 14%, with nearly half set for the first time.

Last year’s Safer Gambling Week also set new social media records, generating more than 60 million impressions across major platforms including X, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Baroness Twycross, Minister for Gambling, said: “As a Government, we are fully committed to reducing harmful gambling and protecting those at risk. That is why we have introduced a statutory levy aimed at providing funding to tackle this.

“We welcome the contribution that Safer Gambling Week makes. It provides a good opportunity to highlight the tools and support that is available to people who may need it.”

Andrew Rhodes, Chief Executive of the Gambling Commission, said: “Safer Gambling Week is an important moment for the industry to demonstrate its commitment to protecting customers and promoting responsible play.

“While progress has been made, we must continue to ensure that the tools and protections available to consumers are effective and widely promoted.

“Collaboration and evidence-based action remain central to making gambling in Great Britain fairer, safer, and crime-free.”

Louie French MP, Shadow Minister for Culture, Media and Sport, said: “I’m backing the Safer Gambling Week campaign to tackle gambling-related harm. This important initiative brings the industry together to support safe and responsible gambling.

“Millions of people safely enjoy a flutter every month, whether it’s on the horses, football, or the lottery. But for some, gambling can cause immense harm to their lives. It’s vital that the industry quickly identifies and supports these people.

“This initiative is one of the many examples of why Britain must stop the rise of the black market. If the Government taxes people away from regulated bookies, they’ll fuel unsafe betting online.”

Grainne Hurst, CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “As ever, the week sees the whole industry coming together to further promote safer gambling for the millions of people who enjoy a regular flutter.

“It’s a time to highlight all the tools available so that customers can stay in control. And to signpost help and advice to those who need it.

“Last year’s campaign was a great success with over 1.5 million unique accounts using a safer gambling tool during the week.”

Paul Swindon, Head of Governance and Compliance at the Bingo Association, said: “The Bingo Association is proud to support Safer Gambling Week.

“All our members across Great Britain are committed to promoting a safe, enjoyable, and responsible environment for all players.

“Bingo has always been about community and fun, and Safer Gambling Week is an important reminder that gambling should always remain just that – social, safe and within your means.”

Allaster Gair, Director of Communications at BACTA, said: “At the heart of Safer Gambling Week is the simple idea that everyone should feel safe while having fun. Our members take that responsibility seriously – offering support, advice and safe spaces where customers can enjoy themselves responsibly.”

The post BGC: Industry, Government and Regulator Back Safer Gambling Week 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.