Illegal Premier League Betting Set to Reach £1bn a Season Warns BGC
Published on by Zena Grantham
Black market expected to take £800m in bets this season
Illegal Premier League betting is expected to generate up to £800 million during the 2026/27 season, according to new figures released by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC).
The trade body estimates that around £20 million will be wagered with unlicensed gambling operators during the opening Premier League weekend. Illegal Premier League betting is forecast to reach £1 billion a season from 2027. The BGC attributes the increase, in part, to the planned rise in General Betting Duty next April.
The Premier League remains one of the world’s most popular sporting competitions and one of the busiest events on the betting calendar. Licensed operators continue to account for the vast majority of football betting. However, the BGC believes illegal gambling websites are capturing an increasing share of the market.
Concerns over growth of black market gambling
The BGC estimates that between £15 million and £20 million is staked with unlicensed operators during a typical Premier League weekend. Those operators are not licensed by the UK Gambling Commission and operate outside the regulated market. Unregulated gambling sites do not meet the same standards as licensed operators.
The warning comes as the regulated betting industry continues to adapt to tighter rules around gambling sponsorship. From this season, betting companies have voluntarily removed their branding from the front of Premier League shirts. The BGC has welcomed the Government’s proposal to prevent clubs from accepting sponsorship from operators that do not hold a UK licence. The trade body believes similar restrictions should apply across all UK sport.
The organisation argues that reducing the visibility of regulated operators could unintentionally benefit illegal gambling websites if customers continue to seek betting services elsewhere.
Tax changes could increase pressure on licensed operators
The BGC raised further concerns about the regulated gambling market. Analysis from H2 Gambling Capital suggests the planned increase in General Betting Duty could place additional pressure on licensed operators.
Separate research from WARC found that unregulated operators now account for almost half of all UK gambling advertising spend. H2 Gambling Capital has forecast a sharp increase in illegal gambling activity in Britain. Stakes with unlicensed operators is expected to rise from almost £17 billion this year to more than £33 billion by 2028.
BGC calls for action against illegal operators
Commenting on the findings, 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.
“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.”
The regulated betting and gaming industry supports more than 109,000 jobs across Britain. It contributes £6.8 billion to the UK economy each year. The sector also generates more than £4 billion in annual tax revenue.
Protecting the regulated market
The BGC believes tackling illegal gambling websites should remain a priority for regulators and government. The BGC argues that directing customers towards licensed operators strengthens consumer protection. According to the trade body, the regulated sector contributes to British sport through taxation and sponsorship. Licensed operators must also meet strict responsible gambling standards.
The figures released ahead of the new Premier League season underline the scale of the challenge. Illegal betting is forecast to increase further over the next two years. That is likely to keep the debate around taxation, regulation, and the growth of the gambling black market firmly in focus.