BGC Urges Balanced Approach to UK Gambling Reforms
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has voiced its support for reforms proposed in the UK Government’s gambling White Paper, including stake limits and a mandatory levy for gambling harm. However, the BGC has cautioned against what it perceives as an unbalanced approach, urging policymakers to remain focused on evidence-based regulations that consider both industry contributions and the broader context of gambling in the UK.
Backing Reforms While Highlighting Industry Efforts
Grainne Hurst, CEO of the BGC, affirmed the organization’s support for the proposed reforms, stating: “The BGC supported plans outlined in the White Paper published last year to reform stake limits and introduce a mandatory levy to fund research, prevention, and treatment.”
Hurst also emphasized the significant contributions made by the industry in addressing gambling-related harm: “BGC members voluntarily contributed over £170m over the last four years to tackle problem gambling and gambling related harm, including £50m this year alone, funding an independent network of charities currently caring for 85 per cent of all problem gamblers receiving treatment in Britain.”
Concerns Over Losing Perspective
While the BGC backs reform, Hurst expressed concerns about the government’s tone, suggesting it may undermine a balanced understanding of the issue: “Ministers must not lose sight of the fact that the vast majority of the 22.5m people who enjoy a bet each month, on the lottery, in bookmakers, casinos, bingo halls and online, do so safely, while the most recent NHS Health Survey for England estimated that just 0.4 per cent of the adult population are problem gamblers.”
She warned that the government risks being swayed by anti-gambling advocacy groups without fully considering the broader implications: “The tone of this announcement suggests Government is at risk of losing perspective of these facts, while simply dancing to the tune of anti-gambling prohibitionists, which serves no one.”
Voluntary Standards and Consumer Protections
The BGC pointed to its proactive initiatives aimed at raising standards across the industry. These include measures such as the “whistle-to-whistle” ban on betting advertisements during live sports and dedicating 20% of all advertising to safer gambling messaging. These voluntary actions were consolidated into the BGC’s Code Handbook, which outlines over 100 measures designed to enhance industry accountability and consumer safety.
Another pressing concern highlighted by the BGC is the rise of unregulated gambling platforms. Estimates suggest that 1.5 million UK residents engage with illegal operators who fail to provide essential consumer protections. The BGC warned that overly restrictive regulations could inadvertently push players toward these unregulated markets, further exposing them to risk.
