Criminals seeking to money in as UK’s leap race season begins and black market booms
The Betting and Gaming Council has warned of the growing threat posed by the criminal black market to the National Hunt and its fans
Illegal betting firms are set to cash in(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
An estimated £500m will be wagered with illegal gambling firms during Britain’s jump racing season, the industry body warns. The Betting and Gaming Council has warned of the growing threat posed by the criminal black market to the National Hunt and its fans.
Illegal gambling operators are expected to stake about £10m at this weekend’s Cheltenham November Meeting, it said.
The three-day festival is one of the biggest fixtures of the early jump racing season.
Running from October through to April, the National Hunt season features some of Britain’s most prestigious racing fixtures.
These include the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, the Cheltenham Festival in March and the Grand National at Aintree in April.
Punters at Newton Abbot Racecourse last month(Image: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK/Shutterstock)
Betting and Gaming Council chief executive Grainne Hurst said: “Britain’s National Hunt season is one of the highlights of our sporting calendar.
“But criminal gambling operators are also looking to cash in, with £500m expected to be staked on the illegal black market.
“These operators contribute nothing to British racing, pay no UK tax and offer none of the vital protections customers expect from licensed bookmakers.”
She added that the council will continue to work closely with the Government and the Gambling Commission to tackle the illegal black market and protect customers.
Punters now have the opportunity to have their say this National Hunt season with the reintroduction of the Jockey of the Month competition. Each month, former jockey and racing broadcaster Tom Scudamore will select three nominees who have impressed him for various reasons in collaboration with Great British Racing.
With a fresh shortlist every month, fans will have regular opportunities to champion the jockeys they admire, discover the stories behind their achievements and have a direct say in who earns the title of Jockey of the Month. Each month throughout the jump racing season, one lucky voter will win two general admission tickets and the exclusive opportunity to walk the course at Sandown Park Racecourse prior to Bet365 Jumps Finale Day on the 24th April 2027.
Voting for the October Jockey of the Month is open from 11am November 2 until 5pm November 6. The winner will be announced at 1pm, November 9.
