Gambling is one of the most heavily regulated industries there is, and a new trade body is aiming to bring all areas together under one council covering approximately 90% of the betting and gaming sector.
But not lotteries. No one is interested in them.
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) will be open to all operators in the UK whether they be online or retail, just so long as they have a UK licence.
The council will encourage members to share best practice to increase customer safety industry-wide, as well as new innovations to push responsible gambling further.
Doesn’t This Already Exist?
Sort of.
What we currently have is the Association of British Bookmakers (ABB) and the Remote Gambling Association (RGA), who look after high street and remote bookies respectively.
Both are trade associations, so it makes plenty of sense for them to come together, join forces, and push in the same direction under a new united banner.
Both of these groups have praised the move and the appointment of the BGC’s first chair.
First What?
Chair. The boss.
Brigid Simmonds OBE is the lady at the head of the table and she comes with plenty of experience at her back. She was the Chief Exec for the British Beer and Pub Association for the last 10 years so she is no stranger to a difficult industry.
She was also Director at Leicester FC for a short time, and she certainly seems up for the challenge, saying:
“The gambling industry is a hugely significant contributor to the leisure industry and to the economy. There are however, critical issues facing the sector and that is why I will ensure that creating a safe gambling environment is the top priority.
“I will be listening to all stakeholders to ensure that the Betting and Gaming Council is leading the industry in identifying effective measures to protect customers.
“I firmly believe the UK regulated gambling industry should be recognised as the world-leading industry in terms of safer gambling.”