Increase in Illegal Gambling Activity According to Recent Report

A major new study published by Frontier Economic has found 1.5 million Brits stake up to £4.3 billion through unsafe gambling on the black market each year.

The report, that was commissioned by standards body the Betting and Gaming Council, is the first major study on the black market since the publication of the previous Government’s White Paper on gambling reform.

It found illegal operators are aggressively targeting U.K. customers, significantly undermining player protections, while sucking millions from sport and the Treasury. According to the research more than one in five 18-24 year olds who bet already use the unsafe, unregulated gambling black market online, and via secure online messaging apps.

While £2.7 billion is staked on illegal sites online – impacting every area of betting and gaming from online poker to horse racing – the study suggested up to a further £1.6 billion could be being staked in-person at illegal gambling dens. Standards body the BGC said balanced regulations and stable taxation is the best defence against the black market.

Betting and Gaming Council CEO, Grainne Hurst, said: “This shocking report exposes the unnerving true scale of the growing, unsafe, unregulated gambling black market. From online gaming, to betting on sports like horse racing, millions of customers are being driven into the arms of pernicious black-market operators. These people don’t care about player safety, don’t want to pay their fair share to support sport and don’t pay a penny in tax.

“Worst of all, these sites are making a mockery of the rules set up to protect the most vulnerable by aggressively advertising their services to those who have self-excluded.

“Proposals by anti-gambling prohibitionists like advertising bans or intrusive, blanket, low level affordability checks will not protect customers, in fact they will give another leg up to unscrupulous black market operators, the last thing anyone wants.

“Every comparable market in the world tells us the same thing. The best defence against this growing illegal, gambling black market is getting the balance of regulations right.”

Andrew Leicester, associate director at Frontier Economics and one of the report’s authors, said: “This report shows that most gambling today is done through regulated, visible channels. That is good news.

“This report provides timely new evidence on the scale of the black market. Efforts to make gambling safer are important, but must avoid the risk of simply pushing more players and spend into unregulated providers who do not need to comply with regulations around safer play.”

Illegal gambling activity has been on the rise, according to a recent report released by law enforcement agencies. The report highlights the increasing prevalence of illegal gambling operations across the country, with a particular focus on online gambling sites and underground casinos.

One of the key findings of the report is the growing popularity of online gambling sites, which allow individuals to place bets on sports events, casino games, and other activities from the comfort of their own homes. These sites often operate outside of the regulatory framework established for legal gambling activities, making them difficult for law enforcement agencies to monitor and shut down.

In addition to online gambling, the report also highlights the proliferation of underground casinos in major cities across the country. These illegal establishments offer a wide range of gambling activities, including poker, blackjack, and roulette, and attract a large number of patrons looking to gamble in a more discreet and unregulated environment.

The increase in illegal gambling activity is a cause for concern for law enforcement agencies, as it can lead to a number of negative consequences for both individuals and communities. Illegal gambling operations often attract criminal elements, such as organized crime syndicates, who may use the profits from these activities to fund other illegal enterprises. In addition, individuals who participate in illegal gambling activities may be at risk of fraud, theft, and other forms of exploitation.

To combat the rise in illegal gambling activity, law enforcement agencies are stepping up their efforts to identify and shut down illegal operations. This includes conducting raids on underground casinos, monitoring online gambling sites, and working with financial institutions to track and freeze the assets of individuals involved in illegal gambling activities.

In addition to law enforcement efforts, it is important for individuals to be aware of the risks associated with illegal gambling and to avoid participating in these activities. By choosing to gamble at legal and regulated establishments, individuals can help to support responsible gambling practices and ensure that their money is being used in a safe and secure manner.

Overall, the increase in illegal gambling activity is a troubling trend that requires a coordinated response from law enforcement agencies, government officials, and the public. By working together to address this issue, we can help to protect individuals and communities from the negative impacts of illegal gambling and promote responsible gambling practices.