Key Moments:
- The UK Gambling Commission has introduced the ‘Head of Illegal Markets’ role with an annual salary of £65,000.
- Research indicates the UK black market betting volume increased to £16.6 billion in 2025, about three times its 2019 level.
- Applications for the new position are open until 24 May, with interviews scheduled between 5 and 9 June.
New Leadership Role Designed to Tackle Illegal Gambling
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has announced a significant organizational update with the unveiling of the ‘Head of Illegal Markets’ role. This senior position will have a central part in handling illegal gambling, carrying responsibilities that include managing risk, addressing novel and precedent-setting products, and providing both tactical and strategic solutions. The Commission described it as a high-profile job, involving direct engagement with external partners, the Executive Team, and the Board.
| Position | Annual Salary | Hours per Week | Application Deadline | Interview Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of Illegal Markets | £65,000 | Full-time: 37 / Part-time: minimum 30 | 24 May | 5-9 June |
Role Responsibilities and Strategic Importance
The chosen candidate will oversee and direct resources from the UKGC’s enforcement and intelligence teams, while also collaborating with the units dedicated to illegal markets and sports betting integrity, as well as the legal department. According to the Commission, this role is fundamental to advancing the strategy to fight illegal gambling, with a direct connection to creating a safer and more transparent gambling landscape throughout Great Britain. The work executed in this role is expected to shape key policies, influencing both domestic and global strategies in response to illegal gambling activities.
UKGC Funding and Policy Context
The UKGC’s Executive Director of Research and Policy, Tim Miller, has acknowledged the need for expanded efforts to address illegal gambling, emphasizing that licensed operators and the regulator alone cannot solve the issue. Toward the end of 2025, HM Treasury approved a funding increase of approximately £26 million over three years for the Commission, earmarked to intensify measures against unlawful gambling. Andrew Rhodes, the UKGC CEO at that time, described this increase as historic within his two-decade public sector career, highlighting the government’s commitment to robust oversight. The ongoing recruitment for this new position illustrates the regulator’s intent to deepen its approach.
Growth of the Illicit Gambling Market
Data from H2 Gambling Capital (H2GC) and commentary from the UK Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) reveal that black market betting volume in the UK escalated to £16.6 billion in 2025, which the BGC notes is nearly triple the figure recorded in 2019. This surge has prompted mounting regulatory and governmental efforts to restrain further growth of the illegal market. However, recent policy moves, such as raising the Remote Gaming Duty, have attracted criticism from industry experts, who argue such measures may unintentionally strengthen black market operators. The potential effectiveness of these interventions remains uncertain.
- Author
Daniel Williams
