The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) is warning that the illegal online gambling market is preparing for a major windfall this Boxing Day, with British bettors expected to stake up to £100 million with unregulated operators in just 24 hours—one of the busiest days on the sporting calendar.
Industry analysis using data from H2 Gambling Capital shows that the black market already handles billions of pounds in illegal wagers each year. With Boxing Day typically accounting for around 1% of annual betting activity, the BGC says the day alone could drive £100 million in stakes to unlawful operators.
According to the Council, the figures underscore the rapid expansion of the illegal market, which aggressively targets peak sporting moments while offering no consumer protections, no age verification, no safer‑gambling tools, and no UK tax contributions.
Concerns Over Budget Measures Fueling Black Market Growth
The BGC’s warning comes amid heightened concern that the Chancellor’s recent Budget will further accelerate the shift toward illegal operators. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has already projected that the tax changes will reduce expected revenues by one‑third by 2029–30, as consumers migrate away from regulated betting and toward unlicensed platforms—resulting in an estimated £500 million loss in tax receipts next year.
Independent modelling by EY suggests the combined impact of the tax changes could divert over £6 billion in stakes to the black market, expanding its size by 140% and putting nearly 17,000 jobs in the regulated online betting and gaming sector at risk.
BGC: Black Market the Only Winner
BGC Chief Executive Grainne Hurst said:
“Boxing Day is one of the biggest days of the year for sport and betting, and the harmful illegal black market is gearing up for a huge payday, with Brits set to stake up to £100 million illegally in just 24 hours.
That money goes straight to criminal operators who offer zero protections and pay no tax. If higher taxes make regulated betting less attractive, the harmful black market will be the only winner. That is bad for consumers, jobs and the public finances.”
Regulated Sector Provides Jobs, Safeguards, and Tax Revenue
Licensed operators in the UK must comply with strict rules on player safety, affordability checks, and anti‑money‑laundering controls. They also contribute billions to the economy and provide essential funding for British sport and racing.
By contrast, the illegal market operates entirely outside the law, targeting UK consumers without oversight, accountability, or tax obligations.
The regulated betting and gaming industry supports over 109,000 jobs, contributes £6.8 billion to the UK economy, and pays £4 billion in taxes annually—figures recorded before the recent Budget changes.
Call for Government Partnership
The BGC is urging the Government to work collaboratively with the industry to ensure that future policies maintain strong consumer protections while preventing the illegal market from capitalizing on major sporting events like Boxing Day.
