A recent report by consultancy H2 Gambling Capital reveals alarming projections for the online betting industry in the UK. By 2028, it is estimated that 19.2% of all online bets could be placed with illegal operators, with the total amount staked on the black market potentially rising from £17 billion in 2025 to £33 billion by 2028. This surge is attributed to proposed affordability checks that the Gambling Commission plans to implement, which may drive bettors away from licensed operators. These checks would require gamblers to submit financial documentation to prove their ability to wager, affecting thousands of customers. Industry leaders, including Grainne Hurst from the Betting and Gaming Council, have expressed concerns that such measures will make the regulated market less competitive and push customers towards illegal platforms. The British Horseracing Authority has also voiced its worries about the financial repercussions for British racing and government revenues. Flutter Entertainment's CEO, Peter Jackson, criticized the Gambling Commission for rushing these intrusive checks, arguing that they could worsen the illegal gambling crisis. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has defended the checks as necessary for promoting responsible gambling.