almost £10 million to be bet illegally on Grand National
An estimated £10 million (€11.9 million/$13.1 million) is projected to be wagered illegally on this weekend’s Grand National, according to a comprehensive analysis by the Betting & Gaming Council (BGC).
As the premier event in Britain’s horse racing calendar, the Grand National attracts both avid and casual bettors alike. While a significant number will engage with licensed bookmakers, the BGC forecasts that millions will also turn to unregulated and illegal betting platforms.
The BGC estimates that approximately £9.4 million will be staked on the black market this year, representing 3.8% of the overall projected £250 million to be wagered during the race. The Grand National is scheduled to take place on April 5 at Aintree Racecourse.
BGC Chief Executive Officer Grainne Hurst has emphasized that these figures should act as a “wake-up call” for governmental authorities. The lack of taxation from illegal operators means substantial revenue will be lost to the government.
According to the BGC, the Grand National is expected to generate £3 million in tax revenue and contribute £2 million to the horse racing levy, which funds the sport.
Grand National: Undermined by Illegal Operators
Beyond financial implications, Hurst pointed out that bettors risk their safety when wagering through illegal channels. Unlicensed gambling sites lack the regulatory protections that legitimate operators provide, putting players at greater risk.
“Almost £10 million is predicted to be staked illegally on the gambling black market during the Grand National,” Hurst stated. “This phenomenon not only fuels criminal activity but also undermines vital player protection measures while siphoning essential funds from both the sport and the government.
“The Grand National is one of the few sporting events capable of uniting the nation around a single spectacle. It represents the nation’s passion for betting. However, this event is being compromised by illegal operators who enable unauthorized gambling for thousands of players, many of whom are particularly vulnerable to harm.”
Hurst further noted that the solution to combating illegal betting lies in “balanced regulation and a stable tax regime.” She warned that without these measures, British horse racing faces an “existential threat.”
“This should prompt the government to act,” she said. “Overly stringent regulations risk pushing bettors towards illegal operators. Balanced regulations and a stable tax climate are essential defenses against this burgeoning black market menace, which now poses an significant threat to the future of British racing.”
Addressing a Persistent Challenge in the British Market
This call from the BGC underscores ongoing concerns regarding illegal gambling within the UK.
In a study conducted last year, the BGC found that 1.5 million British gamblers were spending approximately £4.3 billion annually in the illegal betting sector. Alarmingly, the same report indicated that one in five players aged 18 to 24 were already engaging with unregulated operators.
The BGC warns that unchecked black market gambling could lead to a staggering £355 million in lost tax revenue over a single parliamentary term.
In February of this year, the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities echoed these concerns, revealing a notable rise in illegal gambling. Their research indicated that unique customers visiting 22 unlicensed sites for betting on British racing surged by 522% from August 2021 to September 2024. In contrast, legitimate bookmakers experienced growth of only 49% during the same time frame.
Overall visitor traffic from the UK to unregulated sites expanded by 131% since August 2021, while traffic to legal bookmakers grew a mere 25% in comparison.
