Why has the BGC created a DEI Statement of Principles?

As the standards body for the regulated betting and gaming industry, we believe that part of our role is to promote and develop DEI best practice across our sector. We are committed to lead by example through our own policies and practices, support and champion our members to share experience and best practice and work to drive higher standards across the industry.

We recognise that many of our members are already excellent practitioners of inclusive workplaces, whilst others may just be at the beginning of their DEI journey. We believe, however, that all will be able to commit to our Principles, and work collaboratively to share best practice and drive up standards.

As a highly regulated, customer-facing industry that employs people across retail, technology, trading, customer service and corporate functions, the betting and gaming sector has a particular responsibility to ensure our workplaces are fair, respectful and safe. Inclusive workplaces help us attract and retain talent, operate responsibly, and maintain public trust in the regulated industry.

As such, we have developed a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Statement of Principles to mark our commitment as an industry to create fair and inclusive workplaces.

Our shared purpose

We see the differences among us as an asset and a source of strength. As an industry employing people across shops, offices, technology hubs and customer-facing roles, we are committed to working collectively to promote fair, inclusive and respectful workplaces, strengthen trust in the regulated betting and gaming sector, and raise standards.

Our shared principles

Principle 1: We treat all people with dignity and respect. 

• We foster professional, constructive and respectful behaviour in all our working relationships.

• We communicate with courtesy and openness, valuing different perspectives and experiences.

• We promote inclusive environments where everyone feels respected, safe and able to contribute.

• We apply these standards consistently across all settings, including retail premises, offices, industry events, conferences and online interactions.

Principle 2: We are committed to fair opportunity and inclusive practice.

• We value a broad range of skills, backgrounds and perspectives across all areas of the betting and gaming industry.

• We support fair, transparent and inclusive approaches to recruitment and progression.

• We aim to ensure decisions are based on merit, with awareness of and action to reduce bias or unnecessary barriers.

• We recognise and promote a variety of entry routes into the industry, including retail, technical, operational and non-graduate pathways.

Principle 3: We support the wellbeing of those we work with. 

• We seek to create working environments where people feel supported, welcomed and able to perform at their best.

• We recognise the importance of mental health, flexibility and reasonable adjustments in supporting wellbeing.

• We encourage behaviours and ways of working that protect the wellbeing, safety and reputation of individuals and organisations.

• We recognise that many roles involve shift work, customer interaction or high-pressure operational environments, and we take these factors into account when supporting our people.

Principle 4: We promote safe, lawful and responsible ways of working. 

• We are committed to meeting our legal responsibilities across employment, equality, health and safety.

• We promote a strong culture of safeguarding, security and personal responsibility in our workplaces, events and engagements.

• We encourage behaviours that build trust, protect others from harm and uphold the reputation of the regulated industry.

• We recognise that inclusive and respectful workplaces are an important part of operating responsibly and meeting regulatory expectations.

Collectively, we commit to sharing learning, experience and good practice across the industry, recognising that progress on DEI is continuous and collaborative. These Principles are intended to be applied in ways that are proportionate to the size, structure and operating model of individual members. Members will be at different stages of their DEI journey, and the BGC recognises that progress will look different across the sector.

1. We see the Statement of Principles as a baseline commitment. The BGC will work with our members, large and small, to ensure they meet these standards.

2. We are committed to being open and honest with our members, and practice what we preach. The BGC is happy to share a copy of our own DEI internal policy and action plan with any of our members.

3. We are committed to supporting members in developing their own policies. The BGC will share a diversity and inclusion framework with members upon request, to help them create their own DEI policies.

4. We are committed to sharing best practice amongst our members. Via the People’s Forum, the BGC will convene leaders across our sector to share knowledge and expertise in this space.

5. We will endeavour to understand, highlight and celebrate progress on diversity, equity and inclusion in our members. As the standards body representing 90% of the regulated sector, we see part of our role is understanding the position and progress of our industry, including where the industry achieves DEI milestones and develops best practice.