The Grand National and the Rise of Illegal Gambling
Recent analyses by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) suggest that nearly £10 million might have been wagered through illegal gambling channels during last Saturday’s Grand National.
Popularity and Economic Impact of the Grand National
The Grand National attracts a global audience, with around 600 million viewers across 140 countries. In the UK alone, approximately 13 million adults participate in betting on this event. Industry research indicates that about £250 million is wagered on the race day. Additionally, the event is expected to contribute £3 million in tax revenues and £2 million to support horseracing through levies.
Despite its popularity, the Grand National faces challenges from illegal gambling activities. Grainne Hurst, CEO of the BGC, expressed concern:
“Almost £10m is predicted to be staked illegally on the unsafe, growing gambling black market at this year’s Grand National, fuelling crime, undermining player protection measures, while sucking vital cash from sport and the Treasury. This should serve as a wake-up call for Government who must guard against overbearing regulations which risk driving punters into the arms of illegal operators.”
Broader Impact of Illegal Gambling
A previous study by the BGC revealed that 1.5 million Brits engage with the illegal gambling market annually, wagering up to £4.3 billion. This unregulated sector aggressively targets vulnerable individuals and undermines legal protections while depriving the Treasury of significant revenue.
Research indicates a troubling trend among young adults aged 18-24, with over one in five already engaging with unsafe gambling platforms online. Overseas operators are also targeting those who have self-excluded from regulated betting services.
Urgent Need for Action
The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities reported a dramatic increase in visits to unlicensed betting sites. Between August 2021 and September 2024, traffic to these sites surged by over 500%, compared to modest growth for licensed operators.
Despite these challenges, regulated betting remains a significant economic contributor in Britain. BGC members support over 100,000 jobs and generate substantial tax revenues while funding various sports through sponsorships and levies.