Racing presenter Frankie Foster is the brand new face of a Betting and Gaming Council video collection exposing the dangers of the playing black market.
Foster is fronting a new campaign from the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) that goals to show the speedy progress of the UK black market, whereas additionally warning that elevating taxes on regulating betting would solely make the issue worse. In the meanwhile, it’s estimated that round 1.5 million Britons are already playing with unlicensed websites. That represents as much as £4.3 billion ($5.8 billion) price of bets.
A whole bunch of unlawful playing websites are being shut down… however extra maintain popping up. Racing presenter @FrankieFoster3_ reveals how the black market is rising quick _ and why balanced regulation is the easiest way to maintain these rogue operators in examine. pic.twitter.com/08zrfgUCm3
— Betting and Gaming Council (@BetGameCouncil) September 4, 2025
The operators of those unlawful companies don’t pay any tax and the shortage of regulation leaves them in a position to break UK guidelines of equity round gaming. The most important concern, nevertheless, is the concentrating on of susceptible teams on the biggest danger of gambling-related hurt who’ve already chosen to self-exclude.
Foster demonstrates within the video how simple it’s to make use of the unlawful websites, exhibiting how a easy Google search exposes you to illicit websites that seem reputable.
“Elevating taxes on accountable, regulated betting corporations won’t generate extra income for the Treasury,” argues the BGC. “As a substitute, it can drive extra prospects in the direction of the black market, the place there aren’t any protections, no funding in sport and no contribution to the general public funds.”
Certainly, earlier knowledge from the BGC estimated that 28% of gamblers could turn to illegal betting if taxes were raised.
The price of black market betting
It’s estimated that black market exercise might already be costing the federal government £335 million ($451 million) in misplaced income over the course of 5 years. In distinction, the regulated betting trade contributes £6.8 billion ($9.2 billion) in gross worth added, £4 billion in taxes, and helps 109,000 jobs throughout the nation.
Unlawful playing is on the rise throughout Europe, with black market operators capturing over 70% of the continent’s on-line playing and on line casino market. With out balanced regulation, the UK dangers the identical end result – extra punters pushed to unsafe, untaxed websites.https://t.co/7QQGfBV1PO pic.twitter.com/7yLFf1VoRr
— Betting and Gaming Council (@BetGameCouncil) September 3, 2025
The BGC is asking on policymakers to recognise the risks of driving punters into the arms of unlicensed and unsafe playing web sites, in addition to increase consciousness amongst the general public about what to look out for.
“Get the stability on tax and regulation incorrect and also you hand a aggressive benefit to the black market, the place operators pay no tax, contribute nothing to British sport, and supply no safer playing protections,” stated BGC CEO Grainne Hurst. “The black market is rising and actively concentrating on UK prospects. Any tax rise, whether or not on betting or gaming, makes that provide extra enticing and places extra gamers in danger.”
Featured picture: BGC
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