BGC Industry Conference Discusses Regulation and the Black Market

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) brought together operators, regulators and policy experts at its State of the Industry conference in London, held for the first time. The event addressed the challenges facing the regulated betting and gaming sector in the UK, as well as how innovation, investment and growth in the iGaming market could be supported.

BGC Director General Grainne Hurst delivered the opening speech. In a conversation with Gambling Commission Executive Director Sarah Fox, the state of the sector and regulatory priorities were assessed. Representatives from Entain, Buzz Bingo, The Hippodrome Casino and LukeARC discussed how regulatory changes and operator-led innovation can be balanced with player protection.

Bully Pulpit International shared findings on the role of the retail betting sector that goes beyond its economic contribution. The presentation highlighted the support that betting shops and other retail businesses provide to local communities and high streets. The conference also discussed the impact of changes in the advertising environment and recent tax increases on the sector.

H2 Gambling Capital gave a presentation examining the illegal betting black market across the UK and Europe. Seen as a growing problem for operators and regulators, this topic was one of the main themes of the day.

Speakers stressed that regulation should be evidence-based and proportionate. BGC Policy Director Alex Roberts called for recognition of the work that licensed operators do to protect customers, and for room to be made for the sector to grow and innovate. BGC states that it represents more than 90% of the regulated betting and gaming sector in the UK. A warning that strict restrictions could push customers towards unlicensed operators was a recurring argument throughout the conference. The balance between consumer protection and commercial sustainability emerged as a central theme in the reforms carried out following the Gambling Act review.