The UK Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) estimates that around £800 million ($1.09 billion) could be wagered with illegal operators during the 2026/27 English Premier League season.
According to the council, illegal operators took around £20 million ($27.3 million) in bets during the opening weekend alone.
BGC warned that the black market could expand further as the UK’s regulated betting sector faces higher tax costs.
Illegal betting could reach £1 billion
BGC estimates that illegal betting could reach £1 billion ($1.4 billion) during the following Premier League season. The council links the potential increase to the planned rise in General Betting Duty from April 2027.
The organisation argues that additional tax pressure could make licensed operators less competitive and create more opportunities for unlicensed businesses.
BGC supports the Premier League’s decision to remove betting logos from the front of players’ shirts. However, it argues that reducing legal advertising does not necessarily reduce demand for betting.
BGC calls for stronger action against the black market
BGC chief executive Grainne Hurst said illegal operators do not pay taxes and are not required to meet UK standards for consumer protection and safer gambling.
“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.” - Grainne Hurst, CEO of the BGC
The BGC is calling on the UK government to strengthen enforcement against illegal gambling while maintaining the competitiveness of the regulated market.
The issue is particularly relevant at the start of the new Premier League season, one of the biggest annual events for sports betting. BGC argues that a significant share of demand could increasingly shift between licensed and illegal operators.
