Betting and Gaming Council calls for government-led black market clampdown
Trade body CEO Michael Dugher also urges action against search engine providers
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has called for a government-backed clampdown on unlicensed online operators targeting the UK.
In its submission to the government ahead of tomorrow’s budget, the BGC called for greater action by the government in tackling the unregulated sector, calling it a “clear threat” to licensed operators and the exchequer alike.
Qualifying these claims, the BGC estimates that more than £1.4bn, or 1.2% of UK market turnover, is generated from the black market.
BGC CEO Michael Dugher called on the government to take “bold steps” in protecting both the online and retail gambling industries from further decay.
“We welcomed the government’s commitment to an Online Harms Bill as an opportunity to clamp down on the black market and the big platform search engines promoting these sites,” said Dugher.
“Unlike rogue black-market operators, BGC members in the regulated sector adhere to the highest standards – including zero tolerance on under-18s betting.
“We ask the chancellor to press for change that will help boost exchequer revenues and stop unlicensed operators from preying on vulnerable consumers,” he added.