BGC Warns: Premier League Could Drive Over $1 Billion in Illegal Gambling

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has issued a new public update in which it urges caution on the occasion of the new Premier League season, which the trade group expects to generate a massive gambling habit for illegal bookmakers. The BGC has said that up to £800m ($1.09bn) could be placed with unlicensed bookies, which will continue to impact results for regulated operators, syphon off unrealized tax for the treasury, and further put pressure on protecting consumers, who may lack safeguards when visiting illegal gambling websites.

Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, said that illegal operators pay no tax, fund nothing and answer to no one. The BGC has said that a typical weekend sees between £15m and £20m wagered at unlicensed operators, with the opening weekend alone generating £20m.

The BGC has welcomed certain aspects of the government's regulatory strategy, including front-of-shirt sponsorships in the Premier League and efforts to ensure that Premier League clubs do not accept sponsorships from companies that do not hold a license with the Gambling Commission.