UKGC Expands Fight Against Illegal Gambling

UKGC Opens New Job

The UK Gambling Commission is hiring a head of illegal markets. The person in this role will support enforcement work across the UK. They will investigate illegal gambling operators. They will also help block unlicensed casinos that target British players.

The job includes working with payment companies and tech firms. The role may also involve contact with overseas regulators during investigations. The Commission said the job offers hybrid working and travel to Birmingham. Applicants may also request a 30-hour working week.

Salary Raises Questions

Some experts have questioned the £65,000 yearly salary. They say the job comes with heavy responsibility and pressure. Gambling consultant Nigel Harvey criticised the pay level. He warned that illegal gambling risks may grow during future reforms.

He also said stricter affordability checks could push some players toward illegal sites. His comments spread quickly on LinkedIn after the job was posted. Other experts also asked if the salary is enough to attract skilled candidates. Some believe private companies may offer much higher pay.

Illegal Gambling Remains a Problem

The Gambling Commission has warned about illegal gambling many times. Officials believe some offshore casinos still target UK players without a licence. The regulator has increased cooperation with payment firms and tech companies. It has also taken action against operators based outside the UK.

Overseas Groups Make Enforcement Harder

Earlier this year, Tim Miller from the Commission spoke about these challenges. He said overseas criminal groups often have an advantage. Illegal operators can move quickly between countries and payment systems. This makes them hard to track. Some cases also need support from international agencies.

The Commission has studied the size of the illegal market. But officials say it is still hard to measure accurately. This uncertainty worries licensed operators who follow UK rules.

New Role Could Shape Future Plans

The new position may affect future enforcement strategy. The role includes several key duties:

• Leading investigations into illegal gambling

• Managing enforcement plans

• Supporting intelligence work

• Working with payment and tech companies

The role may also help shape future policy decisions. This could become more important during wider gambling reforms. The Commission has also asked for more funding for enforcement. It has suggested higher licence fees to support future work.

This new job appears to be part of a long-term plan. The industry will now watch closely to see if the UKGC increases enforcement activity in 2026.