BGC warns gambling tax hikes drive punters to black market

Britain’s Betting and Gaming Council says raising gambling taxes would hurt economic growth and could push people toward the unsafe black market. The warning comes as the UK government considers changes in its online gambling tax policy.

BGC says gambling tax rises could force people to use black market

In response to the government’s launch of a new Modern Industrial Strategy, BGC CEO Grainne Hurst said in a statement: “We welcome this boost for creative industries, but the BGC would have welcomed more focus on the leisure and tourism sector.

“We have been clear, any tax rises on our sector will not boost growth, but will force people to the growing unsafe gambling black market.” – Grainne Hurst, BGC CEO

“The land-based betting and gaming sector, including our world leading casinos, are a pillar of the UK economy, and are generating growth across the nation’s towns and cities. They deserve continued Government support,” she added.

“We also welcome the Government’s commitments to a tax regime that supports its growth ambitions. We have been clear, any tax rises on our sector will not boost growth, but will force people to the growing unsafe gambling black market.”

How big is the UK’s gambling industry?

The BGC reports that casinos across the UK employ more than 10,000 people and welcome over 13 million visits each year. They contribute around £300 million ($408 million) in taxes and generate an estimated £800 million ($1.1 billion) for the UK economy.

More broadly, the regulated betting and gaming industry supports 109,000 jobs, contributes £6.8 billion ($9.3 billion) to the economy, and delivers £4 billion ($5.4 billion) in tax revenue.

We welcome the government's new Modern Industrial Strategy but are warning against damaging tax rises https://t.co/QitMF6lQ7P

— Betting and Gaming Council (@BetGameCouncil) June 23, 2025

Each month, around 22.5 million adults in Britain place bets, whether that’s on the lottery, at bookmakers, in casinos, bingo halls, or online, and the vast majority do so safely and responsibly.

According to the most recent NHS Health Survey for England, just 0.4% of adults are estimated to be problem gamblers, despite the NHS reporting that around 138,000 people in the UK could be problem gambling.

The BGC also responded to the government’s £400 million ($544 million) funding boost for grassroots sport. This is part of a wider £900 million ($1.2 billion) investment in major sporting events set to take place in the UK, including Euro 2028 and the 2026 European Athletics Championships.

Hurst said: “As long-time committed supporters of grassroots sports through investment, charity partnerships and sponsorship deals, we are delighted to see the Government commit more cash to unite communities and inspire people to take up sport.

“We absolutely agree with [Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport] Secretary of State Lisa Nandy, sport tells our national story in a way like no other, and thanks to this funding alongside the money invested by BGC members, we are creating and improving new ways for tomorrow’s sporting heroes to train and take part in sport.”

Grassroots sports

The BGC says its members are already playing a big role in supporting grassroots sports. For example, Entain runs the Pitching In initiative, which works with Trident League clubs to help improve non-league football. Flutter’s Cash4Clubs has handed out £6.5 million ($8.9 million) in grants to community clubs across the UK and Ireland.

According to the organization, their members also contribute £350 million ($476 million) to horseracing every year. They give £40 million ($54 million) to the English Football League, and more than £12.5 million ($17 million) to sports like darts, snooker, and rugby league.

Featured image: Canva / Grok

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