Create tougher criminal sanctions against those who operate, support or profit from illegal gambling operations targeting UK consumers.

The penalties for operating illegal gambling businesses should reflect the significant consumer harm they can cause. Tougher sanctions would act as a deterrent while providing law enforcement with stronger tools to disrupt organised criminal activity. The urgency is clear: H2 Gambling Capital forecasts that stakes with illegal operators will rise from £17bn in 2025 to more than £33bn by 2028, meaning almost one in five online betting and gaming stakes could be placed with the black market within three years if action is not taken.