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Combating the Gambling Black Market: Tim Miller Launches Global Regulatory Consultancy

By jili tutorial · September 25, 2026

Combating the Gambling Black Market: Tim Miller Launches Global Regulatory Consultancy

The global gambling industry is evolving faster than ever, driven by rapid technological innovation, shifting consumer behavior, and intensifying political scrutiny. At the heart of this transformation lies a persistent and growing challenge: the illegal gambling market. To help governments and regulators navigate these complex waters, Tim Miller—former Executive Director for Policy and Research at the UK Gambling Commission—has launched a new international advisory firm called GamReg Consulting.

This guide provides an in-depth look at the firm’s mission, its strategic focus on tackling the black market, the principles behind its approach, and the context of Miller’s regulatory legacy. Whether you are a policymaker, a compliance professional, or an industry stakeholder, understanding these developments is crucial for staying ahead of the curve in regulated gambling.

The Growing Threat of Illegal Gambling

Illegal gambling markets operate outside any licensing framework, offering players no consumer protections, no age verification, and no responsible gambling tools. These unlicensed operators often use sophisticated technology—such as cryptocurrencies, offshore servers, and decentralized platforms—to evade detection. As a result, they pose serious risks to players, including financial fraud, money laundering, and exposure to underage gambling.

Regulators worldwide are grappling with how to make the licensed market sufficiently attractive that players voluntarily choose it over unlicensed alternatives. The problem is exacerbated by:

Tim Miller’s New Venture: GamReg Consulting

On Wednesday, Tim Miller formally announced the launch of GamReg Consulting, an international advisory firm based in the UK. The company’s stated mission is to assist governments and regulatory bodies in navigating the rapid and complex changes sweeping the global gambling industry—with a particular emphasis on the illegal gambling market.

What GamReg Consulting Offers

GamReg provides expert support across the full lifecycle of regulatory design and implementation. Its services include:

The firm plans to collaborate closely with commercial providers that already supply regulatory bodies—for example, companies that develop player verification systems, transaction monitoring software, or data analytics platforms.

Core Focus: Combatting Illegal Gambling Markets

GamReg’s primary strategic priority is combating the black market. Miller argues that the most effective way to reduce illegal gambling is not through harsh enforcement alone, but by creating a licensed environment that offers a compelling consumer experience while maintaining strong protections.

Aligning Regulation, Industry Practices, and Technology

The consultancy intends to guide clients in synchronizing three pillars:

  1. Regulation – Clear, proportionate, and enforceable rules that do not inadvertently push players toward unlicensed sites.
  2. Industry practices – Voluntary codes of conduct, safer gambling tools, and customer support standards that build trust in the licensed market.
  3. Technology solutions – Advanced tools such as geolocation blocking, digital identity checks, and real-time transaction analysis to prevent access to illegal operators and detect suspicious activity.

Miller stresses that the goal is to give consumers “strong incentives to remain within licensed markets.” This means ensuring that licensed operators offer a seamless, safe, and entertaining experience—one that unlicensed sites cannot easily replicate without equal regulatory costs.

Miller’s Regulatory Legacy and Expertise

Tim Miller brings over a decade of experience at the UK Gambling Commission, where he served as Executive Director for Policy and Research. During his tenure, he was responsible for leading the regulator’s research function and spearheading several high-profile policy initiatives.

Key Achievements at the UK Gambling Commission

Among his notable contributions:

Miller also served as a board member and treasurer of the Gambling Regulators European Forum (GREF), where he was a key UK figure. He stepped down from those roles earlier this year. GREF expressed gratitude for his contributions, highlighting the depth of his international regulatory experience.

Why This Background Matters for GamReg

Miller’s insider knowledge of both the regulatory process and the industry’s operational realities gives him a unique perspective. He understands where regulatory “blunt instruments” have failed and where more nuanced, technology-driven solutions can succeed.

Key Principles: Evidence-Led, Outcomes-Focused, Technology-Driven

Miller has been outspoken in his criticism of “simplistic, blunt approaches” that he believes are counterproductive. In his announcement, he cautioned against:

Instead, GamReg Consulting advocates for regulation that is:

As Miller put it: “Regulators everywhere are dealing with fast-moving markets alongside heightened expectations. They need practical, credible approaches that keep players safe while supporting a compelling consumer offer.”

Global Expansion Plans

GamReg Consulting has already initiated projects with partners in North America. Miller plans to broaden the firm’s reach globally throughout 2027, targeting jurisdictions that are either:

The firm is also likely to work with international bodies like the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) and the World Lottery Association (WLA) to share best practices.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in Smarter Gambling Regulation

Tim Miller’s move from regulator to consultant marks a significant moment in the fight against illegal gambling. By offering governments and regulators a tailored, evidence-based pathway, GamReg Consulting aims to transform the way jurisdictions approach licensing, enforcement, and consumer protection. The success of this venture will depend on whether regulators are willing to adopt the nuanced, technology-forward strategies that Miller advocates—and whether they can resist the lure of simple but damaging fixes.

As the illegal gambling market continues to evolve, so too must the regulatory response. GamReg Consulting positions itself as the bridge between ambitious policy goals and on-the-ground implementation. The coming years will reveal whether this bridge can carry the weight of a global challenge.