BGC warns illegal operators set to profit from Epsom Derby
The lobby estimates that up to US$6.7m could be staked with unlicensed operators on the race alone.
UK.- The UK gambling industry lobby group the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has warned that illegal gambling operators are expected to target customers during this weekend’s Betfred Derby Festival at Epsom, with the industry body estimating that up to £10m (US$13.4m) could be staked with unlicensed operators across the two-day meeting, including as much as £5m (US$6.7m) on the Derby itself.
The BGC said criminal gambling operators seek to exploit the popularity of major sporting events while paying no UK tax and offering customers none of the protections required of licensed operators. The Derby, first run in 1780, is one of the most prominent events in the British flat racing calendar.
The warning comes alongside figures the BGC cited from analysis by H2GC, which forecasts the amount staked with illegal operators in Britain could almost double from £17bn (US$22.8bn) this year to more than £33bn (US$44.3bn) by 2028. Separate analysis from WARC, also cited by the BGC, found unregulated operators now account for almost half of all UK gambling advertising spend.
Grainne Hurst, chief executive of the BGC, said: “For more than 240 years, the Derby has been one of the defining moments in British horse racing. But while millions of customers will enjoy betting safely with regulated operators this weekend, the criminal black market will also be looking to cash in, offering bettors none of the protections available in the regulated sector.
“Recent evidence shows the black market is growing its reach and influence. Policies that make it harder for regulated operators to compete, risk driving more customers towards unsafe, unregulated gambling.
“The priority must be keeping customers in the regulated market, where robust protections are in place, rather than pushing them towards illegal operators.”
The BGC also reiterated its opposition to proposed financial risk assessments, arguing that requiring customers to submit personal financial documents such as bank statements would put licensed operators at a competitive disadvantage against illegal alternatives. The industry body said the regulated betting and gaming sector supports more than 109,000 jobs, contributes £6.8bn (US$9.13bn) to the UK economy and raises over £4bn (US$5.37bn) in tax each year.
BGC names Daniel Lindsay as director of strategic delivery
Earlier this week, the BGC named Daniel Lindsay as its acting director of strategic delivery. He takes up the role while Stephanie Wong takes maternity leave.
Lindsay was managing director of the interactive segment at Metropolitan Gaming between 2022 and 2026. He began his career in gambling and technology at TCS John Huxley in 1993, and spent 12 years at the provider, including time as commercial director. From 2005 to 2012, he served in senior roles at Aristocrat, ultimately as general manager for emerging European markets. He later held leadership positions at GameAccount Network and Rank Interactive before joining Metropolitan.
For the next 12 months, Lindsay will work alongside Grainne Hurst to “help ensure projects are aligned, resources are effectively coordinated, and key initiatives are delivered successfully.”
Lindsay’s arrival coincides with a turbulent period for the BGC amid the recent rise in British Remote Gaming Tax and the ongoing debate over the Gambling Commission’s proposed financial risk assessments (FRAs), on which the regulator has yet to make a final decision.
The BGC appointed Kane Purdy as its new chair in April. He replaces Michael Dugher, who stepped down in January.
