This BGC quiz reveals the pitfalls of the black market for gambling
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11 Mar 2026 •
Reading time: 3 minutes
In response to the rise of illegal gambling sites, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has launched an interactive quiz designed to help players recognise clandestine platforms.
An interactive experience to learn how to spot the pitfalls
Launched by the Betting and Gaming Council, an organisation representing a large part of the UK gaming and betting industry, the new interactive quiz called ‘Spot The Black Market’ features a series of screenshots from fictitious sites. Participants must identify whether it is a legal platform or a black market operator.
The quiz designers want to show how illegal sites are able to imitate regulated platforms. Everything is designed to inspire confidence and hide the lack of an official licence.
The quiz highlights several clues that can reveal a suspicious site: the absence of a visible licence number, dubious payment methods, and vague and difficult-to-understand terms and conditions.
A black market estimated to be worth billions
According to a study commissioned by the industry, up to £2.7 billion is wagered each year in the UK on illegal platforms. However, this estimate only represents part of the phenomenon. Researchers explain that many players use methods that are difficult to trace, such as VPNs or platforms operating via social networks.
At the same time, the regulated sector claims to contribute significantly to the British economy. According to estimates cited by the trade association, the regulated gaming and betting industry generates around £6.8 billion for the national economy, supports more than 109,000 jobs and pays nearly £4 billion in taxes each year.
Black market operators, on the other hand, pay no tax and do not contribute to the funding of sport or public services.
Players often unable to identify illegal sites
Why do these platforms still attract so many users?
Illegal operators often offer more generous bonuses, faster registration procedures and more flexible payment options. These apparent advantages can appeal to players, especially younger ones. Studies show that consumers aged 18 to 24 are significantly more likely to be aware of or use black market brands.
But behind these attractive offers lies a very different reality. Illegal sites are not subject to the strict player protection rules that exist in regulated markets. They generally do not offer tools to limit deposits, self-exclude or report problematic gambling behaviour. Nor do they guarantee the security of funds deposited by users.
In the event of a dispute, players often have very few recourse options.
Raising awareness among players before it is too late
Each question in the quiz gradually reveals clues that help distinguish a regulated site from an illegal platform. After each answer, an explanation details the elements to look out for before depositing money on a gaming site.
The BGC hopes that this experience will enable players to develop a simple but crucial reflex: to systematically check a site’s authorisation before registering.
How can you be sure you are playing at a legal casino in Belgium?
Here are a few tips for recognising a legal casino from an illegal one:
- Do not play at casinos found through advertisements on social media. Legal casinos are not allowed to advertise in Belgium.
- Check the URL of the casino you are on. Both the Gaming Commission and Gambling Club have lists of legal operators in Belgium.
- If you realise that you are on an illegal casino site, stop playing and contact the Gaming Commission to report the site.