BGC Convenes Inaugural State of the Industry Conference to Address UK Regulatory Priorities
The BGC hosted its first State of the Industry conference in London, featuring talks with the Gambling Commission on regulation and presentations on retail value, advertising changes, tax effects and the illegal black market. Discussions stressed evidence-led rules to balance protection and growth. The event reinforced the BGC's call for proportionate oversight that limits black market expansion.
SCCG Take — This conference signals operators must intensify collaboration with regulators to shape reforms that preserve licensed innovation without fueling unlicensed activity. Sustainable UK iGaming growth hinges on evidence-driven policies that accurately weigh black market risks.
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) held its inaugural State of the Industry conference in London, uniting operators, regulators and policy experts to examine challenges in the regulated betting and gaming sector. The gathering focused on proportionate regulation, player protection innovation and the threat of the illegal black market, according to iGaming Future.
Conference Discussions and Presentations
Grainne Hurst, BGC Chief Executive, opened proceedings, followed by a fireside chat with Sarah Fox, Executive Director at the Gambling Commission. Representatives from Entain, Buzz Bingo, The Hippodrome Casino and LukeARC examined the balance between regulatory change and operator-led innovation in player protection. Bully Pulpit International outlined the retail sector's role in supporting local communities and high streets. H2 Gambling Capital reviewed the illegal gambling black market across the UK and Europe. Sessions also addressed shifts in gambling advertising and the consequences of recent tax rises.
The Regulatory Balance Ahead
Alex Roberts, Director of Policy at the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “Our inaugural State of the Industry Conference has provided an invaluable opportunity to bring together voices from across the regulated betting and gaming sector to discuss the challenges we face and the opportunities ahead.” Roberts added that future regulation must be proportionate, evidence-led and recognise licensed operators' efforts while allowing space to grow and innovate. The BGC represents over 90% of the regulated betting and gaming industry in the UK. The central theme warned that tighter restrictions risk pushing activity toward unlicensed operators. As reforms from the Gambling Act review continue, sustained dialogue between the BGC, government and the Commission will determine whether the licensed sector can maintain commercial viability alongside consumer safeguards.
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