SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Grainne Hurst has warned of black market gambling being used to raise funds that support illegal business empires.
The CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) spoke of these concerns at the annual Gambling Anti-Money Laundering Group (GAMLG) training event.
The event welcomed industry collaboration whilst making those aware of the growing threat of the aforementioned illegal gambling black market.
Hurst, appointed as CEO in September 2024, described this as “a shared challenge”, which therefore requires a shared response.
She added: “GAMLG is the independent body by which we can, together, raise standards across our sector, and ensure we are fulfilling our responsibilities to keep regulated betting and gaming crime free.
“As a sector, we should lead the way in making certain our products are not hijacked and misused by those engaged in illegal activity, activity that has no place in our sector, activity which undermines our laws and our society.
“While we work hard in this space, as you will hear today, we are also acutely aware how black market gambling is already being used by those criminal elements to raise funds that support their illegal business empires.”
A recent study by the BGC found that 1.5 million adults in Britain spend up to £4.3bn on the illegal gambling black market.
“Even now, we are working together, in this very space, on a new AML Code, which we hope will drive up standards, while not compromising player safety,” Hurst continued.
GAMLG – established in 2016 – is an independent body that is supported by the BGC and its members.
GAMLG Chair, Keith Bristow, described the organisation as a ‘vital’ platform to share knowledge and raise standards so the sector can remain on top of preventing money-laundering, fraud and terrorist financing.
“The incredible turn out at this year’s training event, and the stellar line up of speakers, shows how serious this sector is about keeping regulated betting and gaming crime free, and the level of constructive collaboration it has with the regulator, Government and law enforcement,” Bristow noted.
“The professionalism and commitment of our members makes all the difference. That commitment remains strong, which is good news for the industry, its members, the police and public.
“Unfortunately, it’s not such good news for organised crime and fraudsters. Working together, I’m proud to say we are at the forefront of this work and will remain there.”
As part of the BGC’s ongoing commitment to encourage knowledge sharing across the sector, for the first time, tickets for the training day were made available to non-BGC members.
