The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has warned that wagering on Premier League matches through unlicensed operators could approach £1bn per season within the next year, as concerns grow over the expansion of the UK gambling black market.

According to analysis highlighted by the industry body, criminal gambling operators are expected to handle as much as £800m in bets during the current Premier League campaign. The figure could increase by a further £200m in the following season, reaching approximately £1bn annually after a planned rise in General Betting Duty scheduled for April.

The Premier League remains the world’s most-watched football competition and one of the largest betting markets globally. Research cited by the BGC suggests that between £15m and £20m is typically wagered with unlicensed bookmakers during an average round of fixtures. The opening weekend of the new season was expected to sit at the upper end of that range, with around £20m reportedly staked through illegal operators.

Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, said:

“Millions of football fans will enjoy a bet safely with regulated operators this season, backing their team week in, week out. But 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. 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.”

Sponsorship Changes and Ongoing Concerns

The warning arrives as the Premier League begins its first season under a voluntary agreement that removed gambling companies from the front of club shirts. Clubs approved the measure in 2023, with implementation beginning during the 2026/27 campaign.

While front-of-shirt placements have disappeared, gambling brands can still appear on sleeves and training apparel. Several clubs have shifted sponsorship arrangements, with technology, finance and tourism brands taking prominent positions previously occupied by betting companies.

Industry groups have also welcomed government plans to prevent Premier League clubs from entering sponsorship agreements with gambling businesses that do not hold UK licenses. The BGC has argued that restrictions should extend across all British sport to reduce exposure for illegal operators.

Debate around sponsorship has intensified in recent seasons. Some licensed gambling companies have criticized the continued visibility of unregulated operators through football partnerships. Entain has raised concerns with the Premier League, the Independent Football Regulator and several clubs regarding commercial agreements involving companies operating outside the UK regulatory framework.

Attention has also focused on Everton’s ongoing partnership with Stake after the company exited the UK market last year.

Tax Increases and Market Pressures

The BGC has repeatedly linked the growth of unlicensed gambling activity to rising costs facing licensed operators. The organization argues that higher taxes and additional regulatory measures could encourage some bettors to seek alternatives outside the regulated market.

Remote Gaming Duty increased from 21% to 40% in April, while remote betting duty is due to rise from 15% to 25% in April 2027, excluding UK horse racing. Government estimates indicate the changes could generate more than £1bn in additional annual revenue.

Industry stakeholders have also criticized proposed Financial Risk Assessments being developed by the UK Gambling Commission. Some operators believe such measures may push a portion of customers towards offshore gambling websites.

Recent analysis from WARC found that unregulated operators now account for almost half of UK gambling advertising expenditure. Separate research by H2 Gambling Capital forecasts that money wagered with illegal operators in Britain could rise from nearly £17bn this year to more than £33bn by 2028.

Black Market Activity Extends Beyond Football

Regulators have identified several pathways that lead consumers to illegal gambling websites. Some users seek stronger promotions or wish to avoid identity verification procedures. Others turn to offshore operators after self-excluding through Gamstop or after accounts with licensed companies have been restricted.

The UK Gambling Commission has also highlighted the role of affiliates, social media personalities, online gaming communities and cryptocurrency-related channels in directing traffic towards unlicensed sites. Searches for gambling brands operating outside Gamstop remain under review by regulators.

Consumer protection remains a central concern. Unlicensed platforms may lack age-verification controls, secure payment systems and recognized dispute-resolution mechanisms. Authorities have reported cases involving unpaid winnings, withdrawal conditions that customers could not realistically meet, fraud and identity theft risks.

Hurst added: “Licensed operators are regulated in Britain and follow strict rules on consumer protection, safer gambling and robust financial safeguards. Illegal black market operators do not. They undermine player protections, avoid taxes, ignore safer gambling standards and put consumers at serious risk. With illegal betting on the Premier League on course to reach £1bn a season, we support action that protects fans, upholds standards and keeps customers safe within the regulated market.”

Studies attempting to measure the size of the black market have produced varying results. Frontier Economics estimated in 2024 that £2.7bn was wagered annually with illegal online operators and that around 1.5 million people engaged with the wider black market, including unlawful gambling premises. H2 Gambling Capital’s more recent figures estimated offshore betting turnover reached £16.6bn last year, compared with roughly £5bn in 2019.

Despite differences in methodology, both studies point to continued growth in unlicensed gambling activity. The BGC maintains that enforcement against criminal operators remains essential as the regulated betting and gaming industry continues to support more than 109,000 jobs, contribute £6.8bn to the UK economy and generate over £4bn in annual tax revenue.