The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has introduced an interactive online game named “Spot The Black Market”, designed to help consumers differentiate between regulated gambling websites and illegal operators. The move forms part of a wider effort from the BGC to mitigate the growing black market in the UK.
The quiz presents players with a series of mock screenshots from gambling sites, challenging them to identify which are legitimate and which are unlicensed.
According to the BGC, the exercise highlights how easily illegal operators mimic the appearance and branding of licensed companies, potentially misleading customers who may not notice the absence of regulatory protections.
The interactive game attempts to educate users by pointing out key indicators of unlicensed sites, such as the absence of a visible Gambling Commission licence number, use of dubious payment methods and irregular or opaque terms and conditions.
Studies in other European markets like Sweden have shown that players generally do not know the difference between legal and illegal gambling sites.
Tax hikes raise black market concerns
Illegal platforms do not contribute to UK taxes or support the sporting sector financially, in contrast to the regulated market, which the BGC estimates contributes £6.8 billion ($9.1 billion) annually to the UK economy while supporting approximately 109,000 jobs.
A study it commissioned in 2024 suggested up to £2.7bn is staked online with black market operators each year in the UK. Concerns over decreasing channelisation in the UK has seen politicians raise the issue in parliament in recent months.
A January debate was raised after the government confirmed an increase to remote gaming taxes in November. Some policymakers warned increased costs for players could push them into the black market.
The BGC describes “Spot The Black Market” as a component of a larger public awareness campaign aimed at protecting consumers and preserving the integrity of the regulated market.
Original article: https://igamingbusiness.com/offshore-gaming/bgc-interactive-quiz-black-market/
