Betting and Gaming Council

Address

Kings Building, 16 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3HQ

[email protected]
https://www.bettingandgamingcouncil.com/

The Betting and Gaming Council is a standards body committed to championing safer gambling.

We represent U.K. licensed betting shops, casinos and online operators.

For more information, please visit https://www.bettingandgamingcouncil.com/

Featured

Partner content

As the World Cup approaches, illegal gambling advertising is booming

03 Jun Culture

We’re just days away from co-hosts Mexico facing South Africa in the opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Articles

Before the Gambling Commission makes any decision on FRAs, it must answer these questions

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21 May Culture

Before the Gambling Commission makes any decision on FRAs, it must answer these questions

With fundamental questions about consistency, fairness and consumer impact still unresolved, the Betting and Gaming Council's chief executive, Grainne Hurst, argues the Gambling Commission must pause its Financial Risk Assessment proposals before causing serious, irreversible harm

Gambling checks must be frictionless or they’ve gone too far

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13 May Communities

Gambling checks must be frictionless or they’ve gone too far

Louie French, Shadow Gambling Minister and Conservative MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup, argues that proposed gambling affordability checks risk becoming intrusive and counterproductive, warning that unless they are truly frictionless, they could push consumers towards the unsafe black market

St Leger at 250: don’t bet against British racing

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05 May Communities

St Leger at 250: don’t bet against British racing

As Labour MP for Doncaster Central, Sally Jameson reflects on the 250th running of the St Leger in her constituency, celebrating its economic and cultural importance while warning that poorly designed Financial Risk Assessments (FRAs) risk undermining British racing and the communities it supports

Illegal operators now account for almost half of all UK gambling advertising spend, with that share set to become the majority within two years

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21 Apr Culture

Illegal operators now account for almost half of all UK gambling advertising spend, with that share set to become the majority within two years

As MPs gather this week to debate gambling advertising, the real issue is not how much advertising there is, but who is behind it

What the closure of a local betting shop tells us about the pressures on our high streets

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17 Apr Communities

What the closure of a local betting shop tells us about the pressures on our high streets

Reflecting on the closure of a local betting shop, Neil Coyle, Labour MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark, explores what it reveals about national policy decisions, and warns that rising costs risk undermining high streets, local jobs, and community contributions across constituencies like his own.

The illegal gambling market: real risk, real harm

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26 Mar Culture

The illegal gambling market: real risk, real harm

The illegal gambling market was the dominant theme at this year’s Betting and Gaming Council AGM. Industry leaders warned that unlicensed operators are already attracting millions of British gamblers – and that recent tax changes risk accelerating the shift away from the regulated market

Partner content

05 Feb Culture

Illegal gambling is a gift to criminals

I have spent the vast majority of my career working to understand how criminals operate and protecting the public from their criminality.

Fairness on the high street must include betting shops

Partner content

09 Jan Culture

Fairness on the high street must include betting shops

Drawing on the experiences of businesses in her constituency, Mary Glindon, Labour MP for Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend, makes the case that any modern business rates system should be fair and consistent, with pubs, shops and leisure venues sitting side by side.

Betting shops are keeping community spirit alive this Christmas

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23 Dec 2025 Culture

Betting shops are keeping community spirit alive this Christmas

Walk into a betting shop this Christmas and you will find something Britain is in danger of losing. Laughter, conversation, familiar faces and a real sense of community. At a time when shared spaces are disappearing, bookmakers are keeping human connection alive.

Casinos are becoming essential to Britain’s Christmas nights out - and the night-time economy is stronger for it

Partner content

19 Dec 2025 Culture

Casinos are becoming essential to Britain’s Christmas nights out - and the night-time economy is stronger for it

Christmas and New Year are key celebratory moments when people go looking for somewhere that feels a bit special. Somewhere lively, welcoming and full of atmosphere.

Latest press releases

28 Sep 2025

Rachel Reeves needs solutions - but hitting punters with further tax hikes won’t solve anything

28 Sep 2025

BGC strongly opposed to tax rises on regulated industry - statement

28 Sep 2025

BGC proud of members' role in hard-pressed high streets as government announces 'Pride in Place' programme

19 Aug 2025

Three-quarters of punters say betting is a distinctive part of British culture amid fresh tax threat, new poll finds

17 Aug 2025

Racing needs help from Charles Allen - but it also needs to help itself, says BGC Chair

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