BGC Holds First State of the Industry Conference With Gambling Commission’s Sarah Fox

^{Hamilton Place in Mayfair, the London street where the BGC staged its first State of the Industry conference. (Photo: No Swan So Fine / Wikimedia Commons)}

The Betting and Gaming Council held its first State of the Industry conference in London on Tuesday 10 November, bringing together operators, the regulator and policy experts to discuss regulation, player protection and the future of the UK betting and gaming sector. The BGC detailed the event in a statement the following day.

The event was billed as a Policy and Regulatory Affairs Conference and was staged at No. 4 Hamilton Place. The BGC said it was a new platform for industry leaders to examine the changing regulatory landscape and discuss how the sector can raise standards while supporting innovation, investment and growth.

Regulator and Industry on Stage

BGC chief executive Grainne Hurst opened the day. She was followed by a fireside chat with Sarah Fox, executive director at the Gambling Commission, on the state of the industry and the regulator’s key priorities. The BGC’s statement did not detail what Fox said.

Representatives from Entain, Buzz Bingo, The Hippodrome Casino and LukeARC explored how operators can balance regulatory change with operator-led innovation in player protection.

Bully Pulpit International presented findings on the wider contribution of Britain’s retail gambling sector, pointing to the role betting shops and other retail businesses play in local communities and on high streets beyond their economic contribution. The BGC has run a campaign to back betting shops ahead of recent budgets.

Tax, Advertising and the Black Market

Other sessions looked at Britain’s changing gambling advertising landscape and at the impact of recent tax rises on the industry. The council has been lobbying on the next increase, having urged the Chancellor to pause the April 2027 betting duty rise.

H2 Gambling Capital presented findings on the growing threat from illegal gambling in the UK and across Europe. The topic has featured heavily in BGC messaging, which has previously highlighted forecasts of rising stakes on illegal gambling and called for action.

Delegates, the BGC said, examined the importance of proportionate, evidence-led regulation that protects consumers, supports responsible innovation and allows the regulated industry to thrive.

That theme ran through every session, from the retail sector and advertising to tax and illegal gambling, according to the council. The BGC framed the day as a chance for licensed operators and the regulator to compare priorities in one room.

BGC’s Message

Alex Roberts, director of policy at the BGC, said in the announcement: “Our inaugural State of the Industry Conference has provided an invaluable opportunity to bring together voices from across the regulated betting and gaming sector to discuss the challenges we face and the opportunities ahead.”

He added: “From innovation in player protection to the growing threat of the illegal black market, it is vital that future regulation is proportionate, evidence-led and recognises the efforts made by licensed operators to keep customers safe, whilst also allowing licensed operators the space to grow, innovate and deliver for customers.”

The BGC said it and its members remain committed to working constructively with government and regulators.