New BGC campaign teaches players to spot illegal gambling sites
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has launched a new campaign to help players recognise illegal gambling sites. Called Spot The Black Market, the initiative uses an interactive quiz to teach users how to identify unlicensed operators. The move comes as concerns grow over unregulated platforms mimicking trusted brands without following safety standards.
The quiz, available on the BGC's official website and social media, presents players with screenshots of both licensed and unlicensed casinos. Participants must distinguish between legal brands and illegal ones, as well as assess bonus offers to test their awareness. The format mirrors a previous Responsible Gambling game developed by a research website in partnership with Mindway AI.
Matej Novota, Head of Casino Research at the website, has backed the initiative, calling player education a vital tool in combating the offshore gambling market. The BGC highlights that unregulated sites often copy the appearance of trusted operators but ignore key safety rules enforced by licensed providers. Since its June 2024 launch, the campaign has focused on raising consumer awareness, though exact user numbers remain undisclosed.
The BGC's campaign aims to reduce risks by improving public understanding of illegal gambling operators. By teaching players to spot warning signs, the initiative seeks to steer users toward safer, regulated platforms. The quiz remains accessible online for anyone looking to test their knowledge.
