BGC Chair Michael Dugher to Step Down

Betting and Gaming Council Chair Michael Dugher is stepping down from the industry standards body after six years in senior leadership roles. Dugher, who served as the BGC’s founding Chief Executive for more than four years before becoming Chair in April 2024, is leaving with immediate effect to join global advisory firm Brunswick Group as Head of its UK Public Affairs practice. He will continue to work as a freelance business adviser and remain a Board Member and Director at Nottingham Forest Football Club.

Dugher led the BGC from its creation as a single standards body representing the regulated sector, bringing together previously separate organisations speaking for land-based casinos, high street bookmakers and online betting, gaming and bingo. During his tenure, he oversaw the industry’s response to the Government’s Gambling Act Review and the publication of the Gambling White Paper in 2023, which set out the most far-reaching package of legislative and regulatory changes in the sector for a generation.

A former Labour MP and Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Dugher worked with the Gambling Commission and other stakeholders on initiatives aimed at raising standards across the regulated market. Under his leadership, the BGC introduced 20 safer gambling codes comprising around 100 new standards. He also fronted a number of charity initiatives linked to the betting and racing sectors, including the Britannia Stakes charity race at Royal Ascot and the Grand National Charity Bet, which together have raised more than £6.5 million for charitable causes with the support of BGC members.

Commenting, Michael said: “I am immensely proud of everything we have achieved at the BGC. Working with outstanding colleagues and members, we brought the industry together, embraced higher standards in safer gambling and championed an industry that employs tens of thousands of talented, hardworking, decent men and women in communities across almost every part of the UK. We also raised millions of pounds for so many good causes, particularly for racing and armed forces charities that have always been close to my heart.

“In an era when there is sadly so much ignorance and snobbery about betting – not helped, in my view, by the decline in the number of working-class people in Parliament – the BGC did a difficult job in navigating the industry through the previous Government’s gambling review. This resulted in a White Paper that, though not without its challenges, avoided many of the most draconian and disproportionate measures advocated by anti-gambling prohibitionists.

“By embracing change and positively engaging with Government and Parliamentarians, we made the case for an evidence-led approach to regulation and legislation that raised standards, protected jobs and growth as much as possible, and delivered historic deregulation and investment for Britain’s world-leading casino sector – all while keeping customers safe in the regulated industry. This approach is increasingly at risk today given the very worrying growth in harmful gambling in the unregulated online black market.

“I would like to thank all the BGC members and staff who supported me over the years, especially the BGC’s superb Chief Executive, Grainne Hurst. I would also like to pay tribute to the many ministers, shadow ministers and officials at DCMS whom I was privileged to work with. I wish the industry, and the sports that rely on its funding, not least British horseracing, all the very best for the future.”

BGC Chief Executive Grainne Hurst said: “Michael’s contribution to the Betting and Gaming Council over the past six years has been exceptional. From the outset, he brought clarity of purpose, a trusted standing with policymakers and regulators, and a steadfast commitment to championing a responsible, well-regulated betting and gaming industry.

“Under his leadership, the BGC was firmly established as a credible standards body, uniting a diverse membership around stronger consumer protections and a shared determination to do the right thing, often going beyond regulatory requirements.

“He guided the industry through the most significant regulatory reform in a generation, helping to deliver the Gambling White Paper and shape its implementation in a way that balances consumer protection with the realities of a major UK leisure industry enjoyed safely by millions each month. His leadership was also pivotal in securing long-overdue casino modernisation and proportionate regulation.

“On a personal note, it has been a genuine privilege to work alongside Michael. He leaves a proud and lasting legacy at the BGC, having strengthened standards, unified the industry and ensured it is well prepared for the challenges ahead.”

Ian Proctor, Chairman of Flutter UK & Ireland, said: “Michael worked tirelessly to help establish the BGC as a strong and authoritative body for the regulated industry. During a period of significant policy change, his experience and judgement were invaluable in supporting constructive engagement with Government and the regulator, including through the Gambling Act Review and the delivery of the White Paper.

“I would like to thank Michael for all his hard work and, on behalf of the wider industry, wish him every success in the future.”