Betting and Gaming Council Kicks off April With a Roundtable on Future of Gambling Industry

_{BGC CEO Grainne Hurst joined industry leaders and MPs for a roundtable on the future of gambling in the UK, held in the House of Commons. (Image: Courtesy of BGC)}

It’s been a busy start to April for the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) as they represented the betting and gaming sector, online casinos included, at a shadow DCMS roundtable.

The roundtable, titled 'Future of the Gambling Industry in the United Kingdom, drew industry leaders together to explore key issues, including responsible gambling, regulatory developments, and the future of the sector.

CEO Grainne Hurst, who was recently honoured at GGW, represented the BGC at the summit.

The event was hosted by Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Stuart Andrew MP and Shadow Minister for Gambling Louie French MP inside the House of Commons’ Shadow Cabinet Room.

CEO up to Task of Challenges and Opportunities for BGC Members

BGC CEO Grainne Hurst said, “It was fantastic to sit down alongside our members and other stakeholders from across our diverse sector to thrash out the challenges and opportunities facing the sector today with the shadow DCMS team.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have Stuart Andrew and Louie French, two dedicated MPs who understand this industry and are keen to ensure the opposition is completely across the key pressures facing our members, their millions of customers, and thousands of employees.

“Collaboration is key for the BGC, and we welcome this positive engagement with the shadow DCMS team.”

Tuesday’s roundtable also focused on balancing economic growth with consumer protections and social responsibility. Following welcome remarks, the summit heard the industry’s perspectives on current challenges and future opportunities, plus ways in which the Opposition can support future policy.

Big Names in Attendance   

Grainne attended alongside representatives from BGC members Flutter, Entain, Evoke, bet365, Bally’s, The Rank Group, Star Sports and the Hippodrome Casino, plus the UK Tote Group, National Lottery, BACTA and the Gambling Business Group.

BGC members support 109,000 jobs and generate £6.8 billion for the economy while raising £4 billion in taxes.

They also help fund horse racing to the tune of £350 million a year through sponsorship, media rights, and the levy; provide £40 million for the English Football League and its clubs; and millions more for rugby league, darts, and snooker.

Each month in Britain, around 22.5 million adults have a bet, and the most recent NHS Health Survey for England estimated that 0.4 percent of the adult population is made up of problem gamblers.