Published on 12th June 2026 by Zena Grantham

World Cup black-market betting is expected to generate around £200 million for illegal gambling operators during this summer’s FIFA World Cup, according to figures from the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC).

The trade body estimates around £200 million will be wagered with unlicensed operators during the tournament. However, modelling commissioned by the BGC suggests that figure could increase by £50 million under the current plans for financial risk assessments.

More Than £1bn in Bets Expected

The FIFA World Cup remains one of the largest betting events in the sporting calendar, with over £1 billion expected to be staked with licensed operators in the UK throughout the competition.

More than one-third of account holders are expected to place at least one bet during the tournament, creating a significant opportunity for regulated operators and illegal gambling websites seeking new customers.

Unlike licensed UK operators, black market gambling sites operate outside of Gambling Commission regulations and are not required to provide any level of consumer protection, safer gambling measures, or anti-money laundering controls as required within regulated markets.

Fears Over Financial Risk Checks

The BGC could require over 400,000 customers to submit financial documents, including bank statements, if the proposed checks are implemented as currently planned. As many as 50,000 customers could opt for illegal gambling sites.

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

“During the World Cup, millions of customers will enjoy a flutter safely with regulated operators throughout the tournament.

“But while football fans back their teams, the criminal black market will also be looking to cash in, targeting customers with illegal gambling that offers none of the protections available in the regulated sector.

“At a time when illegal operators are already expected to take hundreds of millions of pounds in bets during the World Cup, policies that make it harder for regulated operators to compete strengthen the hand of the black market.

“The priority must be keeping customers in the regulated market, where robust protections are in place, rather than pushing them towards illegal operators.”

Black Market Gambling on the Increase

Research from WARC found that unregulated operators account for almost half of all gambling advertising spend. Meanwhile, forecasts from H2 Gambling Capital suggest black market gambling turnover could increase from £17 billion this year to more than £33 billion by 2028.

The figures highlight the scale of the challenge facing regulators. Meanwhile, illegal gambling operators continue to expand their reach among UK consumers.

Regulated Sector Highlights Economic Contribution

Licensed betting and gaming operators in the UK support more than 109,000 jobs. They also contribute £6.8 billion to the UK economy and generate approximately £4 billion in annual tax revenue.

The BGC urged regulators and policymakers to continue focusing on limiting the growth of illegal gambling websites that operate outside UK consumer protection requirements.