The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has welcomed the appointments of Lisa Nandy as Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and John Healey as Chancellor of the Exchequer, setting out its priorities for engagement with the new ministers.
The industry body said it intends to continue discussions with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on gambling policy, including the remaining reforms arising from the UK’s Gambling Act Review.
The BGC also said it would seek to engage with the Treasury on issues including taxation and the competitiveness of the regulated betting and iGaming sector.
According to the organisation, Healey has previously supported the BGC’s Grand National Charity Bet initiative and earlier this year visited a local betting shop as part of the campaign.
The standards body said it would continue to advocate for what it described as an evidence-led approach to gambling regulation, while supporting measures aimed at consumer protection and addressing the illegal gambling market.
Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “I would like to congratulate Lisa Nandy MP on her reappointment as Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, and John Healey MP on his appointment as Chancellor of the Exchequer.
“Lisa Nandy’s reappointment provides an opportunity to build on the positive relationship we have developed since she first took office. She has consistently recognised the important contribution our regulated betting, casino and online sector makes to Britain’s economy, supporting 109,000 jobs, contributing £6.8 billion in gross value added, generating £4 billion in tax each year and investing millions more in sport, including racing.”
“We were also pleased to see John Healey support this year’s Grand National charity bet initiative, which has helped raise significant sums for charities while celebrating one of Britain’s great sporting occasions.
“There is important work ahead. We want to work with the Secretary of State to address our serious concerns about Financial Risk Assessments. The Gambling Commission has yet to demonstrate that the underlying data is sufficiently accurate and reliable. Pressing ahead before those concerns have been resolved risks driving customers away from the regulated sector and towards the growing illegal gambling market, where there are no safer gambling protections, no age verification and no contribution to British sport or the wider economy.”
“We also look forward to working constructively with the Chancellor and his colleagues in the Treasury. The new Government inherits a sector that has been significantly weakened by recent tax increases, which have cost jobs, undermined investment and competitiveness while strengthening the illegal gambling market. We hope to work together to restore a stable, internationally competitive tax and regulatory environment that supports jobs, protects consumers and delivers sustainable revenues for the Treasury.”
