BGC Introduces Interactive Quiz to Raise Awareness of the Black Market
In a proactive effort to combat the rising influence of illegal gambling operators, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has launched an innovative online game called “Spot The Black Market.” This interactive quiz aims to educate consumers on how to distinguish between legitimate, licensed gambling websites and their unregulated counterparts.
The game features a series of simulated screenshots from various gambling sites, challenging players to identify which ones are properly licensed and which are not. The BGC explains that this exercise demonstrates how easily illegal operators can imitate the look and feel of licensed sites, potentially deceiving players who may not notice the absence of regulatory safeguards.
To help users spot unlicensed sites, the game highlights common warning signs, such as the lack of a visible Gambling Commission licence number, the use of suspicious payment methods, and unclear or inconsistent terms and conditions.
Research from other European countries, including Sweden, indicates that many players are unaware of the differences between legal and illegal gambling platforms. This lack of awareness underscores the importance of initiatives like “Spot The Black Market.”
The BGC emphasizes that illegal gambling sites do not contribute to UK taxes or support the sporting sector, unlike licensed operators. The regulated market is estimated to contribute approximately £6.8 billion ($9.1 billion) annually to the UK economy and sustain around 109,000 jobs.
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A commissioned study from 2024 estimates that up to £2.7 billion is wagered online each year through black market operators. Recent concerns over declining channelisation, the proportion of players engaging with licensed sites have prompted politicians to bring the issue to parliamentary debate.
In January, discussions intensified after the government confirmed plans to increase remote gaming taxes in November. Some policymakers warned that higher costs for players could inadvertently push them toward illegal sites, further fueling the black market.
The BGC describes “Spot The Black Market” as just one part of a broader public awareness campaign. Its goal is to protect consumers and safeguard the integrity of the regulated gambling industry.
