BGC Pledges Support for UK Government’s New Leadership
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has expressed strong support for the newly appointed ministers in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) as the UK government moves towards finalizing its White Paper reforms on gambling.
Focus on Grassroots Sports
With Lisa Nandy MP stepping in as the new Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, and Stephanie Peacock MP joining as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, the BGC has highlighted its commitment to cooperation and the economic benefits the gambling sector brings.
In her initial statements, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy emphasized the continued investment in grassroots sports. She announced a pilot program aimed at enabling local clubs to manage their facilities, ensuring ongoing funding for grassroots sports.
Nandy stressed the importance of sports in local communities and the opportunities they provide for young people across the UK.
Lisa Nandy, in an interview with the Manchester Evening News, spoke about addressing the feelings of alienation in various UK communities.
She highlighted the role of grassroots sports in providing opportunities for working-class children in areas like Bolton and Bury to pursue interests in media, film, dance, and drama.
Experienced Leadership
Stephanie Peacock MP, the new Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, brings valuable experience to her role. A former shadow minister for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport, Peacock has been a vocal advocate for Safer Gambling Week and has participated in several BGC initiatives.
Her past efforts have focused on the sector’s contributions to job creation, tax revenue, and sports sponsorships.
Commitment to Safer Gambling and Economic Growth
Michael Dugher, BGC chair, welcomed the new appointments, representing the 110,000 people employed in the regulated betting and gaming industry and the 22.5 million individuals participating in betting monthly. Dugher reiterated the industry’s commitment to working with the new ministers to foster economic growth and improve standards for safer gambling.
The BGC has emphasized its members’ substantial economic contributions, including significant employment opportunities and funding for popular sports. Examples include Sky Bet’s £40 million sponsorship of the English Football League and William Hill’s sponsorship of the Scottish Professional Football League.
Michael Dugher highlighted the cultural significance of betting, stating: “Betting has long been a part of working-class culture for many people, and our support for great sports like rugby league, darts, snooker, and lower league football is well known.”
Forward-Looking Reforms
The BGC remains dedicated to implementing the evidence-based proposals outlined in the White Paper. These reforms aim to balance enhanced protections with economic growth and include measures such as a statutory levy to address problem gambling, an Ombudsman for consumer redress, targeted online checks, new stake limits for online slots, and modernization proposals for land-based casinos.
