BGC Launches Campaign to Help Players Identify Illegal Gambling Websites

March 12, 2026
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Raising Awareness About Illegal Gambling Sites

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) is stepping up efforts to educate players on how to distinguish between illegal gambling websites and those that are officially licensed and regulated. This initiative aims to protect players by improving their ability to spot unregulated platforms that operate outside the law.

The Importance of Educating Players

While many gamblers in the United Kingdom currently use offshore sites, awareness plays a crucial role in curbing this trend. Around 12.5% of UK gamblers engage with such unregulated platforms, but the BGC believes targeted education can help reduce this number by informing players about the risks involved.

Introduction of the “Spot the Black Market” Quiz

To support this educational mission, the BGC has created an interactive quiz called “Spot the Black Market.” This quiz challenges players to identify which gambling websites are legitimate and which are part of the black market by examining visual cues. The goal is to increase players’ ability to recognize warning signs on unlicensed gambling platforms.

Insights from the BGC Spokesperson

A representative from the BGC explained the campaign’s purpose, emphasizing the dangers posed by illegal operators: “Unlicensed sites often impersonate well-known, trusted gambling brands but bypass the safety regulations designed to protect users. Our campaign highlights these risks to prevent players from falling victim to unsafe platforms.”

How the Quiz Works

The quiz focuses on the player’s perspective, presenting thumbnail images of various gambling websites. Players must judge whether each site is legally licensed within the UK or not. This interactive approach not only educates but also engages players in a practical learning experience.

Misleading Tactics by Illegal Operators

One of the major challenges addressed by the campaign is that many illegal websites deliberately imitate licensed brands to deceive players. By raising awareness of these tactics, the BGC aims to help players make safer choices and avoid falling prey to fraudulent sites.