BGC claims up to £100m was wagered illegally during Grand National weekend

(AsiaGameHub) –   The BGC estimates that as much as £40 million might have been wagered on the primary event through unregulated operators.

UK.- The **Betting and Gaming Council** (BGC), a British industry lobby group, has asserted that potentially **£100 million** was gambled with illicit operators during the Aintree Festival last weekend. This sum reportedly includes up to **£40 million** placed on the flagship Grand National race, though the BGC did not specify its methodology for these calculations.

As a highlight of the UK sporting calendar, the Grand National draws billions of pounds in bets annually. The BGC emphasized the danger presented by unlawful gambling operators, which reportedly target significant events without providing any of the safeguards mandated for licensed companies.

The BGC cautioned that the potential implementation of financial risk assessments might push more gamblers towards the unregulated sector. Furthermore, the **British Horseracing Authority** has voiced its disapproval of the Gambling Commission’s suggested checks.

**Grainne Hurst**, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, stated: “The Grand National stands as a major highlight in the sporting calendar, safely enjoyed by millions. However, the dangerous criminal black market will also have sought to profit, targeting bettors with illicit gambling that provides no safeguards whatsoever.

“Increasing expenses and progressively intrusive checks will only hinder legitimate operators’ ability to compete. The imperative is to retain bettors within the regulated market, where protections exist, instead of compelling them towards hazardous illegal operators.

”Regulated betting companies in Britain are obligated to adhere to stringent standards, encompassing age verification, anti-money laundering procedures, and safer gambling safeguards. In stark contrast, black market operators operate unlawfully and provide no customer protections.

The BGC affirmed that combating the criminal organizations operating illegal gambling websites must remain a key priority to safeguard and bolster the regulated industry.