BGC warns £17bn could be staked with illegal operators during Epsom Derby
The BGC also reiterated its opposition to proposed financial risk assessments.
UK.- The UK gambling industry lobby group the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has warned that up to £10m (€11.57m) could be staked with unlicensed operators during this weekend’s two-day Betfred Derby Festival in Epsom. That estimate include as much as £5m wagered on the Derby itself
The BGC did not explain how these figures were calculated but also reiterated previous analysis by H2GC that forecasts that the amount staked with illegal operators in Britain could almost double from £17bn this year to more than £33bn by 2028.
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.
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. In April, it appointed Kane Purdy as its new chair. He replaces Michael Dugher, who stepped down in January.
