Illegal Betting in the Premier League Could Reach £1 Billion Annually

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) warns that betting in the Premier League managed by illegal operators could reach £1 billion annually starting next season. This projection arises from the anticipated increase in the General Betting Duty in April, intensifying competition between regulated and unregulated markets and increasing risks for gamblers and the sector.

Rise of Illegal Betting in the Premier League

According to the analysis presented by the BGC, during the current 2026-27 season, illegal gambling operators in the UK will manage up to £800 million in betting in the Premier League, with approximately £20 million wagered just in the first weekend. This figure is expected to rise by another £200 million next season, driven by the fiscal change in the General Betting Duty. The study highlights that each typical weekend sees illegal bets ranging from £15 to £20 million by unlicensed operators, amounts that can vary depending on the significance of the matches.

The Premier League is considered one of the largest events globally in the sports betting calendar and the football league with the highest viewership in the world. However, as millions of fans place bets in regulated markets, there exists a parallel offering of products by operators who act completely outside British law, failing to meet the standards, guarantees, and consumer protections of the authorized sector.

Regulatory Measures and Reduced Visibility

The gambling industry in the UK eliminated this year the advertising of betting houses on the front of Premier League team jerseys, as part of the commitment to raise industry standards. The BGC has supported this initiative and endorses the British government's plan to prevent clubs from accepting sponsorship from locally unlicensed betting operators, while calling for an extension of these restrictions to prevent illegal companies from sponsoring any sport in the country.

However, the reduction of visible and regulated advertising does not eliminate demand for betting; it merely shifts it towards less controlled channels where illegal operators are already increasing their presence. This phenomenon becomes more relevant in light of the increased levies on the regulated sector.

Fiscal Impact and Challenges for Licensed Operators

The regulated sector faces increased tax pressure, with H2 Gambling Capital noting that the rise in the General Betting Duty, set for April, will pose another obstacle for licensed operators. An analysis by the independent consultancy WARC reveals that nearly half of the advertising investment in betting within the UK already comes from unregulated operators, while H2 Gambling Capital projects that the total value of betting managed by illegal operators in the UK could double from nearly £17 billion currently to over £33 billion by 2028.

"These operators do not pay taxes, do not contribute, and do not hold themselves accountable. Every pound they earn is a pound lost for British sports and for the Treasury," emphasized Grainne Hurst, executive director of the Betting and Gaming Council.

Licensed operators are subject to strict regulations concerning consumer protection, responsible gambling, and financial security. Black market agents, on the other hand, evade taxes, ignore safe gambling standards, and expose users to significant risks.

The Regulated Sector's Response and User Protection Priority

The regulated gambling industry provides over 109,000 jobs, contributes £6.8 billion to the UK GDP, and generates over £4 billion annually in taxes. The BGC argues that combating the criminal networks behind illegal sites must remain a priority to prevent customer migration from the regulated system and ensure protection mechanisms.

Grainne Hurst emphasizes:

"The black market seeks to leverage every matchday to capture millions in betting, but it does not offer any of the protections present in the regulated sector. We support any measures that keep customers in a safe environment and within the authorized market."

Recognizing the growth of the black market coinciding with the increasing tax burden and reduced regulated visibility, the BGC stresses the importance of strengthening oversight and restrictions on the advertising of unlicensed operators across all sports disciplines.

The Complex Future for Operators and Customers

The projected increase in illegal betting volume could exacerbate the financial situation of licensed operators, hindering investment in responsible gambling measures and contributions to British sports and the treasury. The shift in demand towards the illegal market poses a double challenge: it threatens the standards of gambler protection and impacts tax revenue and funding for sports.

In this context, the tension between regulation, tax pressure, and the proliferation of unauthorized sites marks a new phase for the sports betting sector in the UK and, in particular, for the Premier League, the primary global reference in the industry.