Betting and Gaming Council Proudly Sponsors Leicester Racecourse Veterans’ Day Again

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) is pleased to reaffirm its sponsorship of the Leicester Racecourse Veterans’ Day, a key event dedicated to generating essential funds for military charities. This sponsorship aligns with the BGC’s ongoing commitment to supporting the veteran community, recognizing their immense sacrifices for national safety and prosperity.

In a demonstration of its continued support, the BGC will also sponsor the BGC Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Handicap Chase during the event. The Leicester Racecourse Veterans’ Day, now in its second iteration, is scheduled for March 8 and serves as a special occasion to honor veterans, who will be celebrated as guests of honor throughout the day.

This initiative is part of the BGC’s broader efforts to acknowledge and assist military charities. In recent years, BGC members have donated nearly £750,000 to various armed forces charities, including The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, the SAS Regimental Association, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, and the RAF Benevolent Fund, particularly through activities related to the Britannia Stakes race at Royal Ascot.

Collectively, BGC members, encompassing a wide range of sizes within the industry, have contributed over £6 million to charitable causes. Furthermore, the council’s contributions extend to British horse racing, with around £380 million provided last year through sponsorship, media rights, and the levy.

The BGC’s activities are part of a larger economic contribution to the UK, supporting 110,000 jobs, generating £7.1 billion for the economy, and raising £4.2 billion in taxes. Representing over 90 percent of the UK’s regulated betting and gaming industry, including bookmakers, casinos, bingo, and online betting, the BGC stands as the standard body committed to upholding the industry’s integrity and supporting vital community initiatives.

BGC Chairman, Brigid Simmonds OBE said: “As a very proud former Captain in the Women’s Royal Army Corps, it gives me enormous pleasure that the Betting and Gaming Council is able to once again sponsor Veterans’ Day at Leicester Racecourse this week, giving us another fantastic opportunity to salute this nation’s special ex-Forces community to salute this nation’s special Veterans Forces community.

“It is the very least we can do for a community that is too often overlooked in our society and yet gave so much for service to our country.

“Raising money for military charities is in the BGC’s DNA, we have done it from Day One, and I’m delighted we can confirm that support will continue next year.

“It is an honour to back this fantastic event which does so much good for our veteran community.”