97 percent of Bacta members support increased action on illegal gambling operators

In a clarion call for the Gambling Commission and Licensing Authorities, including local police forces, to be more vigilant in their approach to illegal gambling, 97 percent of respondents to the latest Bacta Pulse survey confirmed they would back stronger enforcement of the law.

As the statutory regulator the Gambling Commission leads on intelligence-led investigations and possess powers to initiate criminal investigations into illegal land-based activity. To combat what is recognised as constituting a growing problem, the Gambling Commission was allocated an additional £26 million in funding over three years starting in 2026 in order to strengthen enforcement against illegal operators.

Updating the current state of play Bacta President Joseph Cullis said: “In England and Wales, local authorities are responsible for licensing premises and, alongside police, are expected to take enforcement actions including raids and shutdowns against illegal gambling operating within their specific area, seizing equipment and prosecuting operators. It’s a multi-agency approach which also includes HMRC in order to tackle tax evasion.”

He added: “While the Gambling Commission has historically focused on the online sector, concerns regarding land-based illegal activity, including unlicensed gaming machines in pubs, members clubs and cafes remain. These illegal operators  ‘steal’ discretionary spend from Bacta members and provide none of the player protection safeguards that are so important in the regulated market. Illegal gambling remains a key issue of concern for Bacta members and it is a topic that is permanently on our agenda in discussions with colleagues at UKGC.”

The rigid and outdated regulations governing the siting and mix of machines is having a profound impact on investment. According to the Pulse Survey 87 percent of respondents said that greater machine flexibility would encourage them to invest in their venues. With the remaining 13 percent saying the question was not applicable the figure jumps to 100 percent – the first Pulse question to attract a unanimous response.

In what has become something of a recurring theme the Bacta Pulse survey has again revealed what members believe to be a serious lack of knowledge concerning the industry.

Joining MPs and Councillors, both of which were identified in previous surveys, are Local Authority Licensing Officers with 93 percent of respondents saying this important group ‘do not know the industry well.’

Explaining how the findings will impact and inform Bacta’s engagement with policy makers, Director of Communications Allaster Gair said: “The results are invaluable in shaping the conversations that we have on a daily basis with external stakeholders and I am grateful for every Bacta member who has participated. Illegal gambling is of huge importance both to our members, to players and to HMRC. The 80/20 rule is outdated and is having adverse consequences for the industry supply chain. Getting closer to Licensing Officers is an area that we are addressing and will continue to address using the opportunity provided by events such as EAG Expo, the SR Exchange and via the offices of Bacta’s MSOs.”

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16 April 2026

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