BGC Calls on Technology Firms to Intensify Fight Against Illegal Gambling

The UK's Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has issued a direct appeal to major technology companies, urging them to take stronger action against the growing threat posed by illegal gambling operators.

In an open letter addressed to the technology sector, the trade association questioned whether sufficient measures are currently being taken to combat unlicensed gambling activity, despite what it described as the industry's "extraordinary technological capabilities."

The BGC warned that the black market continues to expand, with illegal operators increasingly able to attract customers through mainstream digital platforms. According to the organisation, many unlicensed gambling businesses are operating openly online and leveraging technology ecosystems to reach consumers.

As part of its appeal, the BGC called on technology companies to take a more proactive approach to identifying and removing unlawful gambling advertisements before they reach users. It also urged firms to dedicate additional resources to detecting, disrupting and preventing the activities of black-market operators.

The trade body further advocated for closer collaboration between technology providers, regulators, law enforcement agencies and licensed gambling operators. Greater intelligence-sharing, it argued, would help prevent illegal operators from simply shifting their activities between platforms when enforcement action is taken.

In addition, the BGC urged technology firms to provide greater transparency regarding enforcement measures and outcomes, while participating in a coordinated industry-wide effort aimed at protecting consumers from unlicensed gambling websites.

Industry Focus on Black Market Intensifies

The latest intervention forms part of the BGC's wider campaign to address the growing influence of illegal gambling operators, particularly their increasing visibility across digital advertising channels.

Pressure on the issue is also mounting as the Gambling Commission prepares to deploy an additional £26m in government funding to strengthen efforts against unlicensed gambling activity.

A key element of that strategy is the regulator's Illegal Gambling Taskforce. While the full membership of the group has not been publicly disclosed, the BGC revealed during its annual general meeting in March that the initiative is expected to bring together major technology and payments companies, including Google, TikTok and Visa, alongside law enforcement agencies and advertising bodies.

The taskforce is expected to focus on tackling illegal payments, restricting unlawful advertising activity and improving cross-agency collaboration, as regulators and industry stakeholders seek to curb the expansion of the black market and strengthen consumer protection measures.

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