British Gambling Commission Seeks Head of Illegal Markets to Combat Black Market Growth

The British Gambling Commission has announced a major move in its battle against unlicensed gambling by creating a new senior position, Head of Illegal Markets. This new role is key as the regulator aims to intensify its efforts to tackle the growing issue of illegal operators in the UK gambling scene. The selected candidate will be responsible for leading investigations and enforcement initiatives, working closely with various departments within the Commission.

New Role and Responsibilities

The Head of Illegal Markets will operate within the Operations Directorate, directly reporting to John Pierce, the Director of Enforcement and Intelligence. The role involves coordinating resources across different units, collaborating closely with the Illegal Markets team, the Sports Betting Integrity Unit, and departments focusing on Legal, Policy, Strategy, and Communications. But this position is seen as vital for advancing the Gambling Commission’s strategy to curb illegal gambling and foster a safer gambling environment across Great Britain. Candidates are expected to have a strong background in leadership and criminal investigations, particularly skilled in investigative techniques and enforcement planning. This move comes shortly after a new illegal gambling task force was announced by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport in January, led by gambling minister Baroness Twycross.

Government Backing and Industry Concerns

Speaking at the Bingo Association AGM recently, acting chief executive Sarah Gardner highlighted the government’s commitment to this initiative, revealing that £26 million in new funding has been allocated over the next three years. Gardner emphasized this would allow the regulator to address land-based illegal gambling more effectively—a first in such a serious manner. However, there’s growing concern within the industry about the Commission’s focus. The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) cited research from H2 Gambling Capital indicating the unlicensed gambling market had climbed to £16.6 billion in 2025, up from £5 billion in 2019. Some industry voices argue that the Commission has been too strict on licensed operators while not doing enough to combat the black market.

Industry Pushback and Future Challenges

Stella David, CEO of Entain, recently urged the newly formed Independent Football Regulator to ban unlicensed gambling sponsorships in the Premier League, aligning with broader calls for stricter measures against illegal gambling activities. Meanwhile, the industry contends with new regulations like the increase in Remote Gaming Duty to 40%, adding to frustrations. But despite these challenges, there’s an understanding that tackling the black market is complex, and the effects of these roles and measures will take time to materialize. What remains to be seen is how much impact this concerted effort will have on the illegal gambling market.

What’s Next

The appointment of the Head of Illegal Markets marks a pivotal step in this ongoing challenge. The focus now shifts to how effectively this new strategy will be implemented and whether it can curb the soaring black market activities that have become a pressing issue for the UK’s regulated gambling sector. And the impact of this strategic role will be closely monitored in the coming months.