BHA raises alarm as illegal horseracing betting surges in the UK

February 17, 2025

BHA raises alarm as illegal horseracing betting surges in the UK

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has voiced concerns over a significant rise in engagement with unlicensed horseracing betting websites in the UK. A recent study by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) found that illegal betting platforms have grown at an alarming rate, far outpacing the legal market.

Unlicensed betting sees 522% growth

The IFHA study, led by Head of Research James Porteous, analysed traffic trends between 2021 and 2024. It examined both legal and illegal horseracing betting websites in the UK.

Licensed websites: The 10 regulated platforms included in the study saw a 49 percent rise in unique visits over the period. However, overall visits increased by just 25 percent.

Unlicensed websites: The 22 illegal platforms studied experienced 522 percent growth in unique visits, with total visits increasing by 131 percent.

This trend highlights a growing shift towards black-market betting, raising concerns about consumer protection and financial losses for the horseracing industry.

BHA responds to illegal betting surge

In response, the BHA acknowledged that unlicensed betting remains a small segment of the overall market. However, the rapid growth indicates potential risks linked to increasing regulatory pressures.

BHA Acting Chief Executive Brant Dunshea emphasised the unintended impact of stricter regulations. He stated, “From the outset of the Gambling Act Review, British racing has repeatedly warned of the unintended consequences of well-meaning policy decisions on our sport, including the threat of inadvertently growing illegal market activity. This study certainly demonstrates that very concerning threat becoming reality.”

Dunshea stressed that bettors using illegal sites face higher risks, including weaker consumer protections. He also highlighted that unlicensed operators do not contribute financially to British racing or the UK government.

Regulation and enforcement measures

The growth in illegal betting follows as the UK gaming sector is becoming more regulated. The BHA has called on policymakers to steer for a balanced strategy, cautioning that too tight limits might drive gamblers further towards illicit sites.

While the UK Gambling Commission has stepped up enforcement efforts in recent months, the BHA has called for continued collaboration with the government to keep bettors in the legal market.

“The study serves as a further reminder of why it’s important for gambling regulations to be both balanced and proportionate, with those who are betting safely on racing allowed to do so without interruption,” Dunshea added.

Leadership changes at the BHA

The BHA’s reaction follows leadership changes within the organisation. In December 2024, Brant Dunshea was announced to become interim CEO, in addition to his position as Chief Regulatory Officer.

This follows the resignation of former CEO Julie Harrington, who stepped down after a four-year tenure ending on 31 December 2024. Additionally, in November 2024, the BHA appointed Alan Switzer as Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

With criminal gambling on an increase, the BHA would be expected to collaborate closely with industry players as well as the UK government in solving the menace. The body is still set on safeguarding British racing’s financial environment as well as helping to keep players within the approved market.