The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has expressed its support for the newly elected Labour government and has committed to collaborating with the administration to enhance economic growth and uphold standards in safer gambling practices.
Following Labour’s significant victory in the General Election held on Thursday, July 4, the BGC aims to work closely with the new government to ensure a high-quality betting and gaming industry. Labour had previously pledged in its manifesto to collaborate with the industry to promote responsible gambling and maintain the reputation of the UK’s betting and gaming sector.
The UK’s regulated betting and gaming industry is currently experiencing significant regulatory changes, following the release of the White Paper in 2023. The BGC and its members are dedicated to implementing the evidence-based and proportionate proposals outlined in the White Paper. These reforms are designed to enhance industry standards and provide a solid regulatory framework to foster economic growth.
Key measures supported by both the BGC and Labour include:
- A statutory levy to address problem gambling and related harms.
- The establishment of an Ombudsman to improve consumer redress.
- Frictionless financial risk checks for online gambling.
- New stake limits for online slots.
- A Sports Sponsorship Code.
- Modernization initiatives for the land-based casino sector.
The UK’s regulated betting and gaming industry supports 110,000 jobs, generates £4.2 billion in tax revenue, and contributes £7.1 billion to the economy. Additionally, the industry provides essential funding to popular sports, with the English Football League and its clubs receiving £40 million, horseracing £350 million, and snooker, darts, and rugby league over £12.5 million.
Each month, approximately 22.5 million adults in Britain participate in betting activities. The latest NHS Health Survey for England estimates that 0.4% of the adult population are problem gamblers.
The BGC is committed to driving forward these initiatives in partnership with the Labour government to ensure a thriving and responsible iGaming industry in the UK.
Betting and Gaming Council Chair, Michael Dugher, said: “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, we welcome Labour’s victory and its commitment to continue working with the industry.
“On hard-pressed high streets through bookmakers, in the leisure and tourism sector through casinos and bingo halls and in tech, where our members are genuine world beaters, this is a sector ready to contribute on growth, jobs and investment in the economy. We are investing in virtually every constituency in the land and we look forward to working with all the newly elected Members of Parliament.
“BGC members are currently in the midst of the biggest regulatory changes in a generation following the publication of the White Paper, which Labour supported, and much of this work will carry on now the election is complete. Our members have the much needed political certainty they need to plan and invest for a sustainable future.
“This work is backed up by the industry’s own significant efforts to drive world-class standards and protections for the vulnerable, which has transformed the sector in recent years and stands in marked contrast to the dangers posed by the unsafe, unregulated black market online.
“The BGC and our members remain committed to working with Labour to implement the evidence-based, proportionate, regulatory changes outlined in the White Paper, ensuring those measures get the balance right between protecting the vulnerable while allowing the vast majority of punters who enjoy betting responsibly to continue doing so without unnecessary intrusion.
“The BGC had long treated Labour as a Government in waiting, working closely with shadow ministers in recent years, on behalf of our members and their millions of customers.
“Our work to drive up standards and champion a world-leading British industry carries on and we look forward to partnering with Labour – as they have pledged – in this vitally important work.”