BGC welcomes new DCMS ministers, pledges collaboration on safer gambling and economic growth

The UK's Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has welcomed the new ministers at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and pledged to work together on safer gambling, boosting economic growth and support for grassroots sport.

The standards body congratulated Lisa Nandy MP on becoming the new Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, and pledged to work with her ministerial team. Nandy is joined at DCMS by Stephanie Peacock MP, who has been appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at DCMS.

BGC Chair Michael Dugher welcomed both new appointments on behalf of the regulated betting and gaming industry and the 22.5 million who enjoy a bet each month, the council said in a statement.

He also welcomed a new announcement from Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy to further invest in grassroots sports, including confirming that funding allocated to grassroots sports facilities will continue beyond April. Nandy also confirmed the pilot program, which allows local clubs to take over their pitches and facilities from struggling councils, will become a national programme.

“Both Lisa and Steph bring a wealth of experience to their new roles, backed by Labour’s welcome commitment to work with the industry. I would like to assure them both that they will have the full support and backing of this sector as we work together to drive economic growth and continue raising standards on safer betting and gaming,” Dugher, said.

Peacock is an expert on the regulated betting sector, having previously been Shadow Minister for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

During that time, she had been a firm supporter of Safer Gambling Week, attended the BGC AGM this year where she gave a speech, and has also taken part in the BGC’s Grand National Charity Bet campaign, which has raised funds for a host of UK charities.

“Labour recognizes that almost half of adults participate in some form of gambling, with the majority doing so safely and in moderation. From bingo to the races, many forms of gambling are rightly considered part of our British cultural tradition,” Stephanie said at BGC’s AGM in February.

“Further to this, I know the success of the sector is vital for the economy more broadly, whether that’s betting shops, casinos, online betting and gaming or the companies that develop games,” she added.

Talking about the Gambling Act white paper, Dugher said: “The BGC and our members remain committed to working with Labour to implement the evidence-based, proportionate, regulatory 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.”