Grainne Hurst Takes Helm as CEO of Betting and Gaming Council
Grainne Hurst has officially assumed her position as the CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) as of September 9. Hurst, who has extensive experience in the regulated betting and gaming industry, previously held a senior role at Entain.
Leadership Change
Her appointment, first revealed in April, is part of a broader restructuring of the BGC leadership, with former CEO Michael Dugher transitioning to the role of Chair.
Grainne Hurst brings a wealth of experience from both land-based and online sectors. One of her key focuses is the promotion of diversity in the industry, especially when it comes to increasing the representation of women in leadership roles. She is a board member of Global Gaming Women, where she has been instrumental in expanding its presence in Europe, Australia, and other regions.
Commitment to the White Paper and Industry Reform
In her first remarks as CEO, Hurst emphasized the importance of implementing the reforms outlined in last year’s White Paper, which included proposals that many BGC members supported. She pointed to key initiatives such as the introduction of a statutory levy to combat problem gambling, the creation of an Ombudsman for consumer redress, and targeted online financial risk checks. Other priorities include modernizing the land-based casino sector and ensuring regulatory certainty after a period of significant change.
Hurst highlighted her commitment to fostering stability, growth, and diversity within the industry. She underscored the importance of strong data and consumer insights in guiding the sector forward, particularly during times of regulatory adjustment. “There is a huge amount of work ahead of us, not least delivering and implementing the outstanding proposals outlined in last year’s White Paper,” she said.
BGC’s Role in Supporting Jobs and Economy
The BGC represents over 90% of the regulated betting and gaming industry in the UK, supporting 110,000 jobs and contributing significantly to the economy, with £4.2 billion in taxes and £7.1 billion in gross value added. The Council’s members play a vital role in supporting local and national economies through high-value employment and tax contributions.
As the industry continues to evolve, the BGC, under Hurst’s leadership, remains focused on balancing growth with responsible practices, ensuring the sector’s long-term sustainability.
