BHA Warns of Rising Black Market Betting in UK Horse Racing

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has voiced concerns following an International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) report highlighting a significant rise in engagement with unlicensed horse wagering sites in the UK.

The study, led by IFHA Head of Research James Porteous, examined traffic growth across both legal and illegal betting platforms. While visits to 10 licensed sites grew by 49% between 2021 and 2024, traffic to 22 illegal platforms surged by 522%. In the same period, total visits to illegal sites increased by 131%, compared to just 25% growth for legal operators.

In response, the BHA acknowledged that while the illegal market remains a small segment, its rapid expansion is concerning. The organization suggests this trend could be linked to stricter regulations, mirroring patterns seen in other jurisdictions.

BHA Acting Chief Executive Brant Dunshea emphasized the risks posed by the black market, stating:

"From the outset of the Gambling Act Review, British racing has repeatedly warned of the unintended consequences of well-meaning policy decisions on our sport, including the threat of inadvertently growing illegal market activity. This study certainly demonstrates that very concerning threat becoming reality. For every racing customer that leaves the legal market for the illegal one, they are putting themselves at increased risk with lessened consumer rights and protections.

"Unlicensed operators also make no financial contribution to the ecosystem of British racing or the Exchequer. While noting increased enforcement action in recent months by the Commission, we will be sharing these findings with Government and hope it will work with us to encourage bettors to stay in the legal market given this growing leakage. The study serves as a further reminder of why it’s important for gambling regulations to be both balanced and proportionate, with those who are betting safely on racing allowed to do so without interruption."

This comes as the BHA recently announced a 3.9% increase in participant fees for 2025. Additionally, Brant Dunshea was confirmed as interim CEO following Julie Harrington’s resignation, which took effect on December 31, 2024.