BGC Warns UK Black Market in Premier League Betting Could Hit £1B

Unlicensed operators are on track to siphon £1 billion ($1.36 billion) in Premier League wagers from the UK market next season, according to new data from the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC).

The trade body, which represents Britain’s licensed gambling sector, warned that higher taxes are increasing pressure on regulated operators while giving a free pass to offshore ones.

The BGC expects unlicensed operators to take up to £800 million ($1.09 billion) in Premier League wagers during the current 2026/27 season.

It estimated that around £20 million ($27.3 million) went to illegal operators during the opening weekend alone. According to its analysis, a typical round of ten Premier League fixtures generates between £15 million and £20 million in black market stakes.

The trade body also expects the season-long figure to increase by another £200 million ($273 million) for the 2027/28 season. That will be the first full Premier League season following the planned General Betting Duty increase, which is set to be introduced in April 2027.

BGC Highlights Competitive Challenge

The BGC has repeatedly argued that higher taxes can make regulated operators less competitive against offshore businesses. BGC CEO Grainne Hurst said the black market was already taking substantial sums from Premier League betting.

“[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,” Hurst said.

“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.”

The BGC cited separate H2 Gambling Capital forecasts that suggest the wider illegal market, including online casino gaming, will also grow rapidly. H2 expects the amount staked with illegal operators in Britain to rise from nearly £17 billion ($23.2 billion) this year to more than £33 billion ($44.9 billion) by 2028.

It also pointed to analysis from advertising intelligence firm WARC, which found unregulated operators now account for almost half of UK gambling advertising spending.

Hurst added that licensed operators must compete while meeting strict requirements on safer gambling, financial safeguards, and consumer protection.

“With illegal betting on the Premier League on course to reach £1 billion a season, we support action that protects fans, upholds standards, and keeps customers safe within the regulated market,” she said.

Shirt Sponsorship Changes Take Effect

The warning coincides with the Premier League’s voluntary ban on gambling brands appearing on the front of club shirts, which took effect this season.

The BGC supported the change. It has backed government plans to prevent Premier League clubs from accepting sponsorship from gambling operators without a UK license, though the trade body wants that restriction extended across all British sport.

The BGC said tackling the criminal groups behind illegal gambling websites should remain a top priority. It estimates the regulated betting and gaming sector supports more than 109,000 jobs and contributes £6.8 billion ($9.28 billion) to the UK economy each year.

In June, the BGC unveiled a five-point plan to combat the black market, calling for tougher action against illegal gambling advertising, payment processing, and domains, as well as stronger penalties for companies and individuals that facilitate unlicensed operators.