BLACK MARKET BOOKIES SET FOR £40M ROYAL ASCOT BONANZA

Criminal gambling operators are expected to cash in on this week's Royal Ascot, with around £40m forecast to be staked with illegal betting websites and operators during the five-day festival.

Royal Ascot is one of the crown jewels of the British sporting calendar, attracting world-class horses, international attention and hundreds of thousands of racegoers. Millions more are expected to follow the action from home, making it one of the biggest betting events of the year.

But while racing fans prepare for five days of top-class action, illegal gambling operators are also expected to target customers, offering betting products that sit entirely outside UK regulation.

The warning follows mounting evidence that the criminal gambling black market is expanding its reach in Britain. Independent analysis by WARC found unregulated operators now account for almost half of all gambling advertising spend, while forecasts from H2 Gambling Capital estimate the amount staked with illegal operators could grow from £17bn this year to more than £33bn by 2028.

The BGC has warned that measures which undermine the competitiveness of the regulated sector, including higher taxes and disproportionate financial risk checks, could inadvertently drive consumers towards illegal operators who openly ignore UK rules and regulations.

Unlike licensed betting businesses, black market operators pay no tax, make no contribution to British horseracing and provide none of the safeguards expected by customers in the regulated market.

Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, said:

"Royal Ascot is one of the most celebrated events in global horseracing, generating huge excitement among racing fans both here in Britain and around the world.

"Unfortunately, major events like this also attract the attention of criminal gambling operators, who are eager to exploit that interest for their own gain.

"The illegal black market offers customers none of the protections found in the regulated sector, while making no contribution whatsoever to the sport they seek to profit from.

"As evidence continues to show the black market is growing, it is vital that policy decisions support a thriving regulated market which protects customers and helps keep gambling crime at bay."

All betting operators licensed in Britain must comply with strict standards, including age-verification checks, anti-money laundering requirements and a wide range of safer gambling measures.

The regulated betting and gaming sector supports 109,000 jobs, contributes £6.8bn to the economy and generates more than £4bn a year in tax revenues. The sector also provides vital investment into British horseracing, helping support the sport at every level.

The BGC said protecting the regulated market remains the most effective way to safeguard customers from criminal operators and ensure British racing continues to benefit from betting's longstanding support.

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