Dame Caroline Dinenage Re-Elected to Oversee UK Gambling Policy
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has expressed its support for the re-election of Dame Caroline Dinenage to the Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Committee. As confirmed by House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Dinenage will continue to play a key role in overseeing gambling policy in the UK.
Dinenage’s Continued Leadership
Dame Caroline Dinenage, the Conservative MP for Gosport, was re-elected to chair the DCMS committee. Her reappointment allows her to maintain oversight of various sectors, including gambling policy.
Reflecting on her re-election, Dinenage stated: “I’m delighted to be re-elected to Chair the Culture, Media and Sport Committee and entrusted to build on our achievements in the last parliament. These sectors are our global economic super-power, they have remarkable abilities to drive regeneration and bring communities together. I will continue to work cross-party to ensure the government doesn’t take them for granted and they continue to fire on all cylinders.”
BGC’s Response
Grainne Hurst, CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council, welcomed Dinenage’s re-election, emphasizing her significance to the regulated betting industry.
In a letter, Hurst wrote: “On behalf of our members, the 110,000 people whose jobs rely on the regulated betting and gaming industry, and the 22.5 million people who enjoy a bet each month, I’d like to congratulate Caroline on her re-election as Chair of the Committee. I’m delighted that Caroline will continue to bring her wealth of knowledge, enthusiasm and passion for the sector to this critical role in Westminster.”
Hurst also highlighted the economic contribution of the betting and gaming industry, stating: “From high streets to hospitality, from tourism to tech, our members generate £4.2bn in taxes for the Treasury and contribute £7.1bn to the wider economy.” She reiterated the industry’s commitment to reforms outlined in the government’s recent White Paper on gambling, ensuring a balance between safeguarding vulnerable individuals and allowing responsible betting.
Gambling Commission Data
In related news, the Gambling Commission has released new findings from the Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB). The data, covering the period from January 15 to April 28, revealed that gambling participation remained steady at 48%—unchanged from the previous year. This was based on a sample of 5,191 participants, providing insight into the current state of gambling activity in the UK.
The re-election of Dinenage and the steady participation figures demonstrate the ongoing importance of effective regulation and balanced policies within the UK’s gambling landscape.
