Baroness Twycross has announced the launch of a new Illegal Gambling Taskforce aimed at addressing the growth of the black market in the UK, with industry bodies such as the BHA and BGC enlisted to help address what they acknowledge is likely to prove “an uphill battle.”
Gambling minister Baroness Twycross has announced the launch of a new Illegal Gambling Taskforce, uniting stakeholders from across the industry in order to address the proliferation of the black market in the UK.
Although details of the Taskforce’s precise remit and powers are limited, the body will include representatives from the Betting and Gaming Council and British Horseracing Authority, as well as GamCom, payment providers, and advertisers.
“Illegal gambling causes harm to both consumers and regulated operators,” said Twycross.
“By uniting key players across the industry – from tech companies and advertisers, to social media and payment platforms – and sharing expertise, we can make a real impact.”
“Our Taskforce will work together over the next year to ensure that people who wish to gamble can do so safely, with the right protections in place.”
News of the Taskforce was welcomed by the industry, including those already appointed to the committee, with a spokesperson for the BHA saying “it is crucial that more is done to tackle the growth of the illegal betting market, and by working collaboratively the coalition of industry experts is well placed to make a meaningful difference.”
Betting and Gaming Council CEO Grainne Hurst said: “While any proposal to work against the harmful black market is obviously welcome, it’s going to be an uphill battle. Already the scale of it is huge – 1.5 million Brits stake up to £4.3bn on the black market each year.”
“Unfortunately, the significant tax rises on our sector will inevitably drive even more consumers out of the regulated market and into the hands of unscrupulous illegal operators. They are so incredibly harmful because they have no age checks, no safer gambling tools and no consumer protections.”
Originally published on Coinslot on February 9, 2026. Republished with permission.