The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has congratulated Dame Caroline Dinenage MP on her recent re-election as Chair of the Culture, Media, and Sport Select Committee. The Gosport MP, who previously served in this role during the last Parliament, was re-elected unopposed earlier this week. Additional select committee members will be confirmed soon.
The BGC highlighted the significant contributions its members make to the UK economy, with nearly two-thirds of industry-supported jobs located outside London, including nearly 20,000 in the West Midlands. BGC members have also established major tech hubs in cities like Stoke, home to bet365, and Leeds, where Flutter operates. Additionally, betting shops and casinos play a vital role in supporting high streets, the hospitality sector, and tourism.
Beyond economic contributions, BGC members provide critical funding to grassroots and elite-level sports across the country. The Sky Bet-sponsored English Football League (EFL) and its clubs receive £40 million, William Hill supports the Scottish Professional Football League, and various BGC members, including Betway and Kindred, sponsor football and other sports. Horseracing benefits from £350 million in funding, while snooker, darts, and rugby league—currently sponsored by Betfred—receive over £12.5 million in support.
The BGC remains focused on promoting safer gaming practices in the regulated betting and gaming industry, contrasting with the unregulated and growing online black market, which lacks the safeguards implemented by BGC members. According to the most recent NHS Health Survey for England, 0.4% of the adult population are problem gamblers, a statistic that the BGC is committed to reducing.
Grainne Hurst, CEO, BGC 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, I’d like to congratulate Caroline on her re-election as Chair of the Committee.
“I’m delighted that Caroline will continue to bring her wealth of knowledge, enthusiasm and passion for the sector to this critical role in Westminster and we look forward to working with her and the team on the Committee.
“From high streets to hospitality, from tourism to tech, our members generate £4.2bn in taxes for the Treasury and contribute £7.1bn to the wider economy.
“The BGC and our members remain committed to implementing 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.”
