BGC warns that Premier League could drive over $1bn in illegal gambling

• The BGC has said that the opening weekend of Premier League has already clocked £20m with illegal gambling companies
• The threat is much larger, as up to £800m could be wagered with non-Gambling Commission licensed entities in the 2026/27 season
• The BGC has welcomed certain aspects of the government's regulatory strtaegy, while urging for more caution on other fronts

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has issued a new public update in which it urges caution on the occasion of the new Premier League season, which the trade group expects to generate a massive gambling habit for illegal bookmakers.

BGC outlines expected betting handle illegal gambling operators are going to drive

The BGC has said that up to £800m ($1.09bn) could be placed with unlicensed bookies, which will continue to impact results for regulated operators, syphon off unrealized tax for the treasury, and further put pressure on protecting consumers, who may lack safeguards when visiting illegal gambling websites.

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

"But the criminal black market is looking to cash in too, taking millions of pounds on every round of matches while offering customers none of the protections found in the regulated sector. These operators pay no tax, fund nothing and answer to no one. Every pound they take is a pound lost to British sport and to the Treasury."

According to the BGC, a typical weekend sees between £15m and £20m wagered at unlicensed operators, with the opening weekend alone generating £20m, the BGC noted.

The BGC has used the update to welcome certain changes enacted by the government and noted that it sees them as crucial in helping further tackle gambling-related harm.

Such measures include the front-of-shirt sponsorships in the Premier League as well as the government’s effort to ensure that Premier League clubs do not accept sponsorships from companies that do not hold a license with the Gambling Commission.

Trade group welcomes government intiative, but advises corrections

However, the BGC noted that there is one important trend to track, and that is the reduction of legal advertising, which is putting further pressure on operators to reach customers.

"Licensed operators are regulated in Britain and follow strict rules on consumer protection, safer gambling and robust financial safeguards. Illegal black market operators do not. They undermine player protections, avoid taxes, ignore safer gambling standards and put consumers at serious risk," Hurst added.

Restricted by tougher gambling advertising rules, Gambling Commission-regulated entities will continue to lose ground to illegal gambling websites, the BGC warns.

Without competitive options, unlicensed operators not bound by the same draconian standards would simply continue to accelerate their local growth.

"With illegal betting on the Premier League on course to reach £1bn a season, we support action that protects fans, upholds standards and keeps customers safe within the regulated market," Hurst wrapped up.

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