Global tech companies like Meta and Google have been directly approached by Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), with a request to join the gambling trade body in its battle against the black market.
In an open letter, the BGC and its members underscored that illegal gambling is now rampant across social media, search engines, messaging services and digital advertising networks, easily targeting British consumers.
Hurst relayed that those who are at most risk of such marketing campaigns are the most vulnerable, those who have self-excluded, who are seeking support for a disruptive gambling behaviour – and that they’ve been preyed upon by illegal operators who are hiding in plain sight.
“These illegal operators are not part of the regulated gambling industry. They are not licensed by the Gambling Commission. They do not follow British rules. They do not carry out the checks required to protect customers. They do not contribute to rese..