More than 50 Members of Parliament and peers from across the political spectrum are participating in the Betting and Gaming Council’s (BGC) annual Grand National Charity Bet campaign. The initiative sees MPs visit local betting shops to place charity bets on the Grand National, with all winnings directed to charities of their choice.
As part of the campaign, each participating MP receives a £50 bet voucher funded by major BGC members including Paddy Power, William Hill, Ladbrokes, Coral, and Betfred, alongside independent operators such as JenningsBet and Corbett Bookmakers. If a selected horse fails to win, the BGC commits to donating £250 to the MP’s nominated charity, ensuring all causes benefit regardless of the outcome.
In 2023, the initiative raised over £15,000 for a variety of local charities across the UK. This year’s Grand National takes place at Aintree on Saturday, April 5 at 4pm and is expected to attract a global audience of around 600 million viewers across 140 countries. In the UK alone, around 13 million adults are forecast to place a bet on the event.
Industry estimates suggest approximately £250 million will be staked on the Grand National this year, generating an expected £3 million in tax revenue for the UK Treasury and a further £2 million for the horseracing levy.
MPs taking part also engage with betting shop staff to learn more about the safer gambling measures in place for customers. According to Serve Legal, betting shops continue to outperform other retail sectors, including supermarkets and petrol stations, in age verification compliance.
The UK’s betting industry supports an estimated 46,000 jobs through retail operations, contributes nearly £1 billion annually in direct taxes, and pays £60 million in business rates to local authorities. A study conducted by ESA Retail revealed that 89% of betting shop customers also spend at nearby businesses, underlining the sector’s contribution to high street economies.
BGC members play a broader role in the UK economy, supporting 109,000 jobs and contributing £6.8 billion in gross value added. The industry also contributes £350 million annually to horseracing through media rights, sponsorship and the levy, alongside additional support for football, darts, snooker and rugby league.
According to the NHS Health Survey for England, around 0.4% of adults are estimated to experience problem gambling. The BGC and its members continue to promote responsible gambling practices while contributing more than £6 million to charitable causes across the UK to date.
Betting and Gaming Council CEO Grainne Hurst, said: “The Grand National is one of the very few global sporting occasions with the power to bring the whole nation together, spurred on by the history, the heritage and the incredible spectacle it offers.
“It truly is the nation’s punt, and we are absolutely delighted to work alongside our amazing members to ensure the Grand National once again also supports some amazing charities.
“Bookmakers are the beating heart of this country’s highstreets, generating jobs, taxes and crucial investment. They also provide community to millions of customers, many of whom will be visiting their bookie to witness the Grand National.
“I want to extend a massive thanks to all the MPs and peers who have taken time out to meet with staff, for taking part, and helping to raise thousands of pounds for good causes.
“The Grand National is one of this nation’s greatest cultural exports, and I’m thrilled to see parliamentarians once more back racing, their local bookmakers and good causes, best of luck to all.”
