Betting and Gaming Council Pledges Collaboration with New Labour Government

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has affirmed its support for the recently elected Labour Government following a decisive victory in the UK General Election on 4 July.

The BGC expressed its commitment to working closely with the government to foster a healthy gaming industry, focusing on economic growth and improved standards for responsible gambling.

In response to Labour's manifesto pledge to elevate standards in the industry, the BGC has pledged to collaborate with policymakers to implement significant regulatory reforms outlined in the 2023 White Paper. These reforms aim to enhance standards across the sector, address problem gambling through a statutory levy, establish an Ombudsman for consumer redress, introduce financial risk checks for online platforms, set new stake limits for online slots, implement a Sports Sponsorship Code, and modernize the land-based casino sector.

Michael Dugher, Chair of the BGC, emphasized the industry's role in contributing to the economy, stating, “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 to growth, jobs and investment in the economy." He highlighted the widespread impact of the industry, supporting 110,000 jobs and engaging 22.5 million monthly bettors.

"We look forward to working with all the newly elected Members of Parliament," Dugher concluded, underlining the BGC's commitment to engaging with legislators to shape policies that support responsible gambling and sustainable industry growth.

By fLEXI tEAM