The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) supported the newly appointed ministers in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) as the UK government progresses towards finalizing its White Paper reforms on gambling. Lisa Nandy MP has stepped in as the new Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, with Stephanie Peacock MP joining as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State.

New Appointments Herald Continued Collaboration

In a significant move, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy announced continued investments in grassroots sports. She drew attention to a pilot program enabling local clubs to manage their pitches and facilities, confirming that funding for grassroots sports facilities would continue. This commitment aims to ensure sports play a vital role in local communities and provide opportunities for young people nationwide.

Nandy used her first interview as Secretary of State with the Manchester Evening News to highlight the need to address the alienation felt by many UK communities. She emphasized the importance of investing in grassroots sports and creating opportunities for working-class kids in communities like Bolton and Bury to find realization in media, film, dance, and drama.

For too long, too many people in many parts of the UK have not seen their lives, their families, or their communities reflected in the story that we tell ourselves as a nation about ourselves.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy

Stephanie Peacock MP brings valuable expertise to her new role, having served as shadow minister for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport. She has been a staunch supporter of Safer Gambling Week and has actively participated in BGC initiatives, including the Grand National Charity Bet campaign. She previously highlighted the sector’s contribution to job creation, tax generation, and sports sponsorships.

The BGC Aims to Foster a Sustainable Sector

BGC chair Michael Dugher welcomed the new appointments, speaking on behalf of the 110,000 people whose jobs depend on the regulated betting and gaming industry and the 22.5 million individuals participating in betting each month. Dugher emphasized the industry’s commitment to collaborating with the new ministers to promote economic growth and enhance standards for safer gambling.

BGC members have made substantial economic contributions nationwide, creating significant employment opportunities for UK citizens. The industry also plays a crucial role in funding popular sports. The English Football League and its clubs benefit from a £40 million ($52 million) sponsorship by Sky Bet, while William Hill sponsors the Scottish Professional Football League.

Betting has long been a part of working-class culture for many people, and our support for great sports like rugby league, darts, snooker and lower league football is well known.

Michael Dugher, BGC chair

The BGC remains dedicated to implementing the evidence-based, proportionate proposals outlined in the White Paper. These reforms, supported by the BGC and Labour, aim to enhance protections while fostering economic growth. Key measures include a statutory levy to address problem gambling, an Ombudsman for consumer redress, targeted online checks, new stake limits for online slots, and modernization proposals for land-based casinos.