BGC WELCOMES VICKY FOXCROFT AS NEW MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FOR GAMBLING

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) today congratulated Vicky Foxcroft MP on her appointment as Minister responsible for gambling and said it looked forward to working constructively with her.

The BGC welcomed the new Minister’s previous support for a balanced, evidence-led approach to gambling regulation that protects vulnerable people, particularly children and young people, while enabling adults who choose to gamble to do so safely.

It also noted her support for regulation that is properly targeted and fit for purpose.

Separately, the BGC paid tribute to outgoing Gambling Minister Baroness Fiona Twycross, thanking her for her constructive engagement with the regulated sector.

During her tenure, Baroness Twycross visited BGC members in Stoke-on-Trent, Leeds, Liverpool and London, where she met with staff and saw the industry’s contribution to jobs, tourism, local economies and leisure, along with the latest safer gambling measures.

She also regularly attended the BGC AGM, where she recognised the value the sector delivers through employment, tax revenues and the enjoyment it provides to millions of people.

Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, said:

“I would like to congratulate Vicky Foxcroft MP on her appointment as Minister responsible for gambling.

“We look forward to working with her to champion Britain’s casinos, betting shops and online betting, gaming and bingo businesses - an industry that brings enjoyment to millions of people, sustains 109,000 jobs, contributes billions of pounds to the economy and provides vital funding for some of Britain’s best-loved sports.

“Following the extensive changes introduced through the Gambling White Paper, it is vital that future policy is evidence-led, proportionate and fully considers the cumulative impact of regulation and recent tax increases on jobs, investment and the competitiveness of the regulated sector.

“We also look forward to working with the new Minister to tackle the rapidly growing illegal gambling black market, which puts consumers at risk and contributes nothing to the economy or British sport.

“I would also like to offer my sincere thanks to Baroness Fiona Twycross for the thoughtful, open and constructive way she engaged with our industry throughout her time as Minister responsible for gambling.

“She made a genuine effort to understand our members, taking the time to meet staff and visit venues across the country to see first-hand the industry’s important contribution to jobs, investment, local economies and British sport, as well as the enjoyment it brings to millions of people.

“She also recognised our members’ commitment to protecting vulnerable people. We have greatly valued her engagement and wish her every success for the future."

The regulated betting and gaming industry supports 109,000 jobs, contributes £6.8 billion in gross value added to the British economy and generates £4 billion in tax each year. BGC members also provide vital funding for British sport, including horse racing, football, darts, snooker and rugby league.

The BGC said it would work with the new Minister to support a regulatory environment that protects consumers, supports jobs and investment and tackles the growing threat posed by illegal gambling operators.

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