The Betting and Gaming Council’s (BGC) Grand National Charity Bet campaign has raised £15,375 for charitable causes across the UK, marking a record year for participation among parliamentarians.
This year’s initiative saw 58 MPs and Ministers, including Defence Secretary John Healey and seven other government Ministers, take part by placing a charity bet on the Grand National. All winnings were donated to the MPs’ nominated charities, with the campaign supported by major UK igaming and betting operators, including Ladbrokes, Coral, William Hill, Betfred, and Paddy Power.
While no participants backed the 33/1 winner, I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, all nominated charities received a minimum donation of £250. The combined contributions and winnings resulted in a total of £15,375 distributed to various national and local charities, such as Parkinson’s UK, East Durham Veterans Trust, and Ryedale Special Families.
The initiative provided an opportunity for MPs to visit local high street betting shops and engage with staff, learning more about safer gambling tools and consumer protection measures in place. Participating parliamentarians included Shadow Gambling Minister Louie French, Culture Media and Sport Committee member James Frith, and Deputy Speaker Caroline Nokes.
The Grand National campaign underscores the regulated sector’s broader economic contribution. According to a report by EY, BGC members support 110,000 jobs, contribute £4.2 billion in tax revenue, and add £7.1 billion in gross value to the UK economy.
Grainne Hurst, the BGC’s Chief Executive, said: “It’s been a fantastic record-breaking year for our Charity Bet with 58 parliamentarians taking part from right across the political divide.
“Millions of people enjoyed a bet on the race showing once again that, for so many of us, having a flutter is a part of our great British culture.
“I visited a number of betting shops in recent weeks and I want to pay tribute to all the thousands of people who work in them to help support our hard-pressed high streets. I would like to thank all those MPs who took part for supporting so many good causes. I would also like to thank all of our members for once again getting behind this great initiative”.
