Betting and Gaming Council Event Lines Up Political Big Guns for Next Event

_{Panel discussion at the Betting and Gaming Council AGM will feature political leaders and industry experts. (Image: Courtesy of BGC)}

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) is delighted to confirm the BGC AGM will take place on February 27 in central London.

The stellar lineup of panellists includes Grainne Hurst (BGA), Andrew Rhodes, CEO of the Gambling Commission, Gambling Minister Fiona Twycross (Baroness Twycross), shadow minister Stuart Andrew, and BGC Chair Michael Dugher.

Confirming the date and the line-up, Grainne Hurst said, "I am absolutely delighted to confirm such an outstanding line up of keynote speakers at this year’s AGM.

“I want to say a huge thank you to Baroness Twycross, Stuart Andrew and Andrew Rhodes for taking time out of their diaries to attend.

“The Government has set out a bold mission to deliver growth, jobs and investment, and I know our members, championed by the BGC, have a critical role to play delivering on that challenge across the UK.

"We have much to get on with, and the AGM is the perfect place to set the tone for the rest of the year. I encourage everyone to sign up soon, and I look forward to welcoming you to our AGM in February.”

Who’s Who on the Panel?

Andrew Rhodes will be fresh off his walkabout in London and his appearance at the IGA webinar, where he looked ahead to what might be in store for the gambling industry in 2025. Rhodes has been at the helm of the UK regulator for some time and is a familiar face at conferences and on panels for debate such as this.

The politicians will bring their own unique contributions to the event and perhaps continue the debate sparked at the IGA webinar on how political 2025 will be for the gambling industry.

Baroness Keen on Reducing Gambling-Related Harms 

Baroness Twycross gave a speech to the Annual Gamble Aware Conference in 2024. The UK's new Gambling Minister outlined her approach to reducing gambling-related harms and ensuring a safer gambling industry.  

Baroness Twycross announced plans to introduce a statutory levy on the industry, which will raise £90-100 million in its first year for research, prevention, and treatment of gambling harms. 

The Minister also confirmed plans to introduce online stake limits, slow down the speed of play, and ban autoplay features on online slots. The Minister emphasized the need for a safer, more responsible gambling industry that prioritizes player protection and does not compromise on growth. 

From Politics to Chair of BGC

Chair of the BGC Michael Dugher is a highly experienced leader in the UK's creative industries. He became Chair of the BGC in April 2024. His background includes roles such as CEO of UK Music and Member of Parliament for Barnsley East for seven years. 

Dugher spent over a decade working in senior roles in Whitehall as a Special Advisor, including at No. 10 Downing Street.

Michael has a lifelong passion for sports and currently serves in various capacities, including as a director at Nottingham Forest Football Club and as a member of the Advisory Council for the Tourism Alliance. 

Beginnings in Welsh Village With Unpronounceable Name

Panellist Stuart Andrew MP was raised in the tongue-twisting Welsh village of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, North Wales. He developed an interest in fundraising and volunteered for the British Heart Foundation.

After working in social services and hospices, Stuart entered politics by becoming a Conservative councillor in Leeds City Council in 2003.

Following the 2023 Boundary Review, Stuart lost his seat but was elected as the Conservative candidate for the Daventry constituency in July 2024 and re-elected with a majority of 3,012.

Now in opposition, Stuart was appointed interim opposition Chief Whip and Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport in 2024.