Inside the black market: big bonuses, personal managers and no safeguards

Racing Post signed up to and deposited with three black market betting firms. The websites offer unrestricted gambling, the ability to bet via credit card and 'personal managers' who encourage customers to gamble heavily in return for bigger bonuses. There is widespread concern that the forthcoming government review of the Gambling Act will lead to an explosion in unregulated betting. The investigation reveals that getting winnings paid out from these firms is often close to impossible and there is no means by which disputes can be escalated. Last year, a Racing Post investigation highlighted the scale and cynicism of blackmarket advertising directed at customers from the UK and other regulated markets.

The Front Runner is our latest email newsletter. It's exclusively for Members' Club Ultimate subscribers. Chris Cook is a four-time Racing Reporter of the Year award winner. He provides his take on the day's biggest stories and tips for the upcoming racing every morning from Monday to Friday.