Grainne Hurst Opens GAMLG Event, Calls for Industry Collaboration to Combat Black Markets

Grainne Hurst, CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), led the opening of the annual Gambling Anti-Money Laundering Group (GAMLG) training event, emphasizing the need for cooperation to uphold integrity in the regulated gambling sector. Hurst also warned of the rising threat of illegal gambling markets, underscoring the importance of continued vigilance and industry-wide compliance.

The GAMLG event, held in London, attracted over 100 attendees and featured speeches from key figures such as John Pierce, Director of Enforcement and Intelligence at the Gambling Commission, Claire Wilson from HM Treasury, and John Leigh from the West Midlands Police Regional Economic Crime Unit. Discussions focused on strategies to counter fraud and illicit financial activities within the gaming industry.

A Shared Challenge

During her opening speech, Hurst stressed the sector’s responsibility to prevent financial crime while also highlighting the dangers posed by the black market.

“This is a shared challenge, and it requires a shared response, and GAMLG is the independent body by which we can, together, raise standards across our sector, and ensure we are fulfilling our responsibilities to keep regulated betting and gaming crime free,” she stated.

Launched in 2022, the GAMLG training event provides a platform for regulators, industry experts, and key stakeholders, including representatives from the UK Gambling Commission, HM Treasury, and law enforcement agencies, to address issues surrounding fraud, Anti-Money Laundering (AML), and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF). The independent body, chaired by Keith Bristow, former Director General of the National Crime Agency, plays a crucial role in strengthening AML and CTF practices.

Industry Leaders Discuss Black Market Gambling Risks

Hurst pointed to a recent study by Betting and Gaming Council that found 1.5 million adults in Britain gamble on illegal platforms, generating an estimated £4.3 billion for the black market. She warned of the risks posed by such operations, stating:

“While we work hard in this space, as you will hear today, we are also acutely aware how black market gambling is already being used by those criminal elements to raise funds that their illegal business empires.”

Chair of GAMLG, Keith Bristow, praised the event’s turnout, saying:

“GAMLG is a vital platform to share knowledge and raise standards so the sector can remain a leader in preventing money-laundering, fraud, and terrorist financing.”

He reaffirmed the industry’s commitment to working with law enforcement and regulators to maintain a secure betting and gaming environment.

The BGC took an unprecedented step by allowing non- to attend the event, fostering a more inclusive knowledge-sharing approach. Hurst explained: “Raising standards is part of the DNA of the BGC, and I think one of the surest demonstrations of that is on display today.”

Grainne Hurst Takes the Helm as BGC CEO

Entain, including Group Corporate Affairs Director, where she played a pivotal role in the company’s rebranding from GVC to Entain and spearheaded safer gambling initiatives.

A strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, Hurst is a board member of Global Gaming Women, overseeing its expansion into the UK, Europe, and New Zealand. She emphasized her commitment to delivering the White Paper and ensuring the industry enters a new phase of stability and growth.

The BGC represents over 90% of the regulated UK betting and gaming sector, contributing £6.8 billion to the economy and generating £4 billion in tax revenue. With over 22.5 million Britons betting responsibly each month, Hurst aims to drive forward responsible gaming initiatives and enhance industry collaboration.

Source:

“Grainne Hurst Opens GAMLG Event, Welcoming Collaboration and Warning Of Black Market Threat”, bettingandgamingcouncil.com, February 12, 2025