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UKGC secures £26M to crack down on illegal gambling operations

A £26M funding surge transforms the UK’s fight against illegal gambling. Will stricter rules reshape the industry—or push operators underground?

In this image it seems like it is a carnival in which there are tents under which there are so many...
In this image it seems like it is a carnival in which there are tents under which there are so many people. In the middle there is a mast. On the left side there is a tent. In the background there are trees and electric poles. At the top there is the sky. There are trolleys on the road. On the left side there is an iron stand.

UKGC secures £26M to crack down on illegal gambling operations

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is set to receive £26 million in funding over three years to tackle illegal gambling. CEO Andrew Rhodes announced the plans at the BACTA Annual Convention, marking a shift toward more proactive oversight. The move aims to strengthen enforcement against unlawful operators while supporting compliant businesses.

The UK gambling market reported a total Gross Gambling Yield (GGY) of £16.8 billion in the last reporting year. Land-based venues alone contributed £4.8 billion, operating across 8,234 licensed premises. Despite this, the number of licensed operators and Adult Gaming Centres (AGCs) saw a slight decline.

With £26 million in additional funding, the UKGC will expand its enforcement capabilities over the next three years. More inspections and stricter oversight are expected to reduce illegal gambling operations. The changes aim to protect players and level the playing field for licensed businesses.

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