A levy rise by the chancellor on the £7bn sector could trigger a surge in punters using black market websites run by crooks View 2 Images Warnings are being raised about such a move (Image: Getty Images)

Rachel Reeves’ planned gambling tax crackdown will boost criminals, a report has warned. ‌

A levy rise by the chancellor on the £7bn sector could trigger a surge in punters using black market websites run by crooks. ‌

And the move could leave players more vulnerable and deprive the Treasury of tax receipts for its coffers, the study by PwC said. ‌

The research, commissioned by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), warned the black market now accounts for 6% of online betting and gaming in the UK, up from 2.3% in 2021.

Grainne Hurst, BGC’s chief executive, said: “Britai

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