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Risky business: Gambling the growth of gambling’s black market in the UK

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Whether you’re an operator in the gambling industry or a player just enjoying the services, the existence of a gambling black market is bad news. Often, illegal gambling outfits are tied to organised criminality, which can entail very serious offences involving the exploitation of vulnerable people. The actions of illegal operators breed consumer mistrust in the wider gambling industry, tarnishing the reputation of legitimate operators.

For players, the gambling black market is equally bad news. They may be trying to self-exclude from gambling, but black market offerings are too tempting. Worse still, anyone who plays on an illegal gambling site has no protection. They may not receive their winnings or could even be cheated outright. Below is a look at why people gamble on the black market, proposals to tackle illegal gambling, and the future of the black market. 

Engaging in risky business

According to research discussed on the Betting and Gaming Council website report, the gambling black market is growing and, each year, around 1.4 million Brits are staking up to £4.3 billion on it (£2.7 billion online and £1.6 billion at illegal gambling venues). 

The motivations for turning to gambling on the black market are many:

  • No restrictions on stakes or spending
  • No age or identity verification
  • Opportunity to play games or access products unavailable in the UK
  • Avoidance of account bans or restrictions
  • Escape from self-exclusion schemes
  • Avoidance of bank bans on gambling
  • Draconian regulations on gambling
  • High return to player (RTP) percentages
  • Option to pay with less usual payment methods, such as cryptocurrency, nonfungible tokens (NFTs) or credit cards. 

If you’re trying to avoid black market operators and find the best online casinos in the UK to play at safely, it’s important to read online reviews. Players who have a bad experience won’t hesitate to warn other people about operators. 

One of the best sites for finding reliable reviews is casino.co.uk, they thoroughly review the best online casinos in the UK, and only recommend safe, trustworthy websites. 

Tackling illegal gambling

Authorities are concerned about the ease of access to black market gambling and are trying to clamp down on illegal gambling operations. The Gambling Commission has launched an Illegal Gambling Hub that brings together research, enforcement updates, and advice on how to identify illegal gambling websites. 

As part of its work, the commission is:

  • Investing in technology and training for its Illegal Markets team
  • Working with British and international law enforcement
  • Working with the financial sector
  • Working with the Government to make sure it has the resources, knowledge, and powers to fight illegal gambling.

The regulator has identified specific elements that illegal operators rely on to conduct their business and is targeting them. These include:

  • Payment processing capabilities 
  • Advertising to customers
  • Access to software, expertise, technical infrastructure and equipment to offer illegal gambling
  • Customer retention
  • Ability to stay ahead of law enforcement while operating. 

The future of the black market

Black market operators will be rubbing their hands with glee if the Government reforms taxation on gambling service operations. Recently, there has been talk of simplifying the system by introducing a single tax because sports betting and casino services are taxed differently. 

A study commissioned by the Betting and Gaming Council, however, has found that almost a third of punters would switch to gambling on the black market if the Government hikes up taxes on legal operators that force them to withdraw offers and promotions. Twenty-eight percent of the punters would look for black market operators, who can run better promotions and offers because they don’t pay tax or support sport. Fourteen percent of punters admitted to already betting at black market websites.  

What is clear is that the black market is growing, which means more and more punters are at risk. According to the research, 29% of the punters wouldn’t be confident spotting a black market site compared to a legitimate operator, worryingly. 

These findings place the Government in a very tricky position as it struggles to kick-start growth in the economy. Theoretically, a tax hike would raise money for the coffers; in practice, however, it could not only drive more people to play on unregulated sites, but also deprive the Government of this extra tax revenue if they do. 

People are turning to the black market because of all the freedom these operators offer them to play as they wish without restrictions. Unfortunately, this is risky because the operators aren’t regulated and can refuse to pay out winnings or scam the players outright, and there’s nothing the players will be able to do about it. If taxes on legitimate operators increase, even more punters will be willing to take this risk than is already the case. 

 

Entertainment

Huw Edwards criticises TV drama about his downfall

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FORMER BBC news presenter Huw Edwards has issued a strongly worded statement criticising an upcoming television drama based on his fall from grace.

Edwards, who received a suspended prison sentence after admitting offences relating to indecent images of children, said the programme was produced without properly checking its claims with him.

Edwards claims those behind the programme failed to verify key elements of the story

The two-part drama, Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, features actor Martin Clunes portraying the former newsreader.

In a statement published in the national press, Edwards claimed those behind the programme failed to verify key elements of the story before filming began. He said producers only approached him for comment after production had already been completed, and even then retained editorial control over any response.

He also questioned whether contributors to the programme had been paid, suggesting the drama may not accurately reflect events.

Edwards said he had already expressed “deep regret and remorse” for his crimes during court proceedings, having pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

He added that he found the offences deeply disturbing and offered a further apology, acknowledging that each image involved a real victim.

The former presenter said he is now working on his own account of the events, although progress has been slow due to ongoing health issues. He has previously spoken about long-term mental illness, which he said had worsened in the period leading up to his offences.

However, he stressed that mental health difficulties should not be used to excuse criminal behaviour.

Edwards rose to prominence as one of the UK’s most recognisable news anchors before his career collapsed following allegations of misconduct and subsequent criminal charges.

In September 2024, he was handed a six-month suspended sentence and placed on the sex offenders register for seven years. He was also ordered to complete a rehabilitation programme.

Responding to his criticism, a spokesperson for Channel 5 said the drama was based on interviews with those involved, including the complainant and journalists who broke the story, as well as court reporting and message evidence.

They added that the programme was produced in line with broadcasting regulations and that allegations featured in the film had been put to Edwards through his legal representatives in advance.

 

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Entertainment

Easter egg trails return to Pembrokeshire as National Trust launches spring events

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FAMILIES across Pembrokeshire are being invited to “hop into spring” as Easter egg trails return to National Trust sites across Wales.

The popular seasonal events will take place at thirteen locations nationwide, including Colby Woodland Garden near Amroth, offering a mix of outdoor adventure, nature exploration, and family-friendly challenges.

The National Trust Cymru says the trails are designed to keep children entertained during the Easter holidays while encouraging them to connect with nature, heritage, and the outdoors.

At Colby Woodland Garden, visitors can explore a wooded valley filled with winding paths, streams, and hidden corners while taking part in ten activity stations along the Easter trail.

Organisers say the site’s mix of natural play areas and historic features makes it an ideal location for families looking to enjoy the spring weather.

The Easter egg trail at Colby will run from Thursday (Apr 3) to Sunday (Apr 6), between 10:00am and 3:30pm.

Family-friendly activities

Across Wales, the trails include a wide range of themed activities, from wildlife spotting and creative challenges to physical games and imaginative play.

Each location features around ten activity points, with participants receiving a trail sheet, bunny ears, and a chocolate egg on completion. Vegan and allergy-friendly options are also available.

Normal admission charges apply, although National Trust members can enter for free. The Easter trail costs £3.50 per child.

Spring boost for tourism

The National Trust says the events are part of a wider effort to encourage families to make the most of outdoor spaces as the weather improves.

With gardens in bloom and longer daylight hours, organisers hope the trails will attract visitors from across west Wales and beyond.

A spokesperson said the programme offers “hours of fun, discovery and seasonal adventure for the whole family.”

More information and booking details are available via the National Trust website.

 

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Entertainment

Action-packed Easter fun set for Carew Castle

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A HOST of family-friendly adventures will bring Carew Castle to life this Easter, with a packed programme of events running from Saturday (Mar 28) to Sunday (Apr 19).

Set against the dramatic tidal reach and managed by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, the historic castle will once again become a hub of activity, offering everything from treasure hunts and medieval weapon displays to science workshops and live storytelling.

Egg hunts and medieval action

A brand-new Great Golden Egg Hunt will challenge children to explore the castle’s winding passageways and hidden corners in search of clues. Running daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm throughout the school holidays, the activity costs £2.50 per child in addition to normal admission.

Young visitors can also step back in time with Hands-On: Weapons and Armour sessions, held daily between 10:30am and 11:30am from Monday (Mar 30) to Sunday (Apr 12). Children will have the chance to handle replica weapons, try on armour, and experience medieval combat demonstrations at no extra cost.

The popular Find the Key! treasure hunt also returns, beginning at 3:00pm from the gatehouse. Running on selected days between Monday (Mar 30) and Sunday (Apr 12), the challenge invites children to track down the correct key to unlock a treasure chest.

Magic, stories and science

Creative youngsters can enjoy Magical Makes with Whimsical Wildlings on Tuesday (Apr 14), Wednesday (Apr 15) and Thursday (Apr 16), with drop-in craft sessions held in the castle’s undercroft from 10:30am to 2:00pm.

Meanwhile, Storymaster’s Quests: Tower of Doooooom! will take place on selected dates in early April, offering an interactive multimedia adventure created by author and games designer Oliver McNeil. The audience will shape the fate of their own hero in a tale filled with dragons, traps and treasure.

Hands-on learning continues with Wild Science sessions, featuring activities such as marine exploration, fossil hunting, owl pellet investigations and beginner bird walks.

Trebuchet returns

One of the highlights of the programme will be the launch of the castle’s giant trebuchet on Tuesday (Mar 31) and Tuesday (Apr 7) at 2:30pm, as the medieval siege engine is brought roaring back into action.

Daisy Hughes, Manager at Carew Castle, said: “Carew is an extraordinary place at any time of year, but Easter gives us the opportunity to really showcase everything it has to offer. The Weapons and Armour sessions in particular are always a favourite – there’s nothing quite like seeing a child’s face when they first lift a medieval sword.”

For full event details, visit the castle’s website.

 

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