BGC CEO Slams Anti-Gambling Lobby’s ‘Prohibitionist Crusade’

_{BGC CEO Grainne Hurst warns that anti-gambling advocates threaten the UK betting industry's jobs, and tax revenues. (Image: BGC)} 

Grainne Hurst, CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council has highlighted the vital contribution of the land-based and online casinos sector to the UK economy, citing £6.8 billion in economic value, £4 billion in taxes, and 109,000 jobs supported.

She also took aim at the threats to the industry from the anti-gambling lobby.

At a recent AGM, gambling minister Baroness Twycross emphasised the importance of leisure activities like racing and bingo, with events such as the Cheltenham Festival showcasing the industry's positive impact and injecting £274 million into the local economy.

Responding to comments made by Baroness Twycross, Hurst said: “She’s absolutely right. On ‘tax receipts and jobs created’, BGC members contribute £6.8bn to the economy, generate £4bn in tax while supporting 109,000 jobs.

"And you won’t see a truer example of the unbridled joy a “day at the races” brings than at the Cheltenham Festival, which takes place this week.”

Despite its enormous contribution to the UK economy, the sector is under attack from the anti-gambling lobby.

Hurst voiced her concerns, saying: “This sector faces serious threats from anti-gambling advocates and tightening regulations that overlook the genuine enjoyment and relatively low rates of problem gambling in the UK, currently at 0.4%.”

Gambling Industry Under threat on Number of Fronts 

Hurst critiques those who suggest that gambling is incompatible with sports, stressing the symbiotic relationship between racing and betting, which funds the sport significantly.

Hurst said: “But the contribution Baroness Twycross is right to praise, on jobs, tax and as a leisure activity enjoyed safely by millions, is under threat on several fronts.”

Hurst set out what she defines as ‘threats on a number of fronts’, saying: “The first is the misguided convictions of the anti-gambling lobby, currently embarked on a prohibitionist crusade which has infiltrated the minds of public health zealots, and even some in our political world.

“This is not a joke. One MP with a racecourse constituency described themselves as a ‘horseracing sceptic’ who must take a ‘nuanced position.’”

“He went on to say, ‘Gambling is not symbiotic with sport,’ adding, ‘We no longer allow fast food companies to align themselves with sport, and we should treat gambling companies in precisely the same way.’”

Rise in Black Market Gambling a Concern for Regulated Operators 

Moreover, Hurst raises concerns about the rising black market in gambling, with illegal bookies experiencing substantial growth and attracting 1.5 million Brits who stake £4.3 billion, thus draining resources from regulated operators and putting at risk those vulnerable to gambling harm.

Hurst has been honored for advocating balanced, evidence-based regulations that protect the betting industry's economic and social benefits while improving the regulatory framework.

Concluding her article on Politics Home, Hurst wrote: “International experience has shown us that the best deterrent to the black market is balanced regulation.

"Look at Italy and Spain, where advertising is banned, or Norway, where there is a state monopoly; each of these countries has a black market that is out of control, accounting for up to 66 per cent of all money staked. 

"And with that, their problem gambling rates are up to six times higher than the UK. In the face of these threats, we remain clear. Balanced, evidence-based regulations, including completely frictionless checks online, backed by a stable tax regime, are the best ways to defend the contribution and value Baroness Twycross was so right to highlight to the economy, to jobs, but also to people’s joy.”