Chief Executive of Betting and Gaming Council announced

The Betting and Gaming Council announced today that Michael Dugher has been appointed as its new chief executive.

Michael will be joining the Betting and Gaming Council in spring 2020, from his current role as chief executive of UK Music, the leading body for the British music industry.

The Betting and Gaming Council is dedicated to improving the gambling environment for a safe and entertaining customer experience. It is committed to setting the highest standards in tackling gambling related harm and building consumer and public trust in the gambling industry.

Michael joins the Betting and Gaming Council with an outstanding career in the UK music industry, as a member of the Government’s Creative Industry Council and before that in government and in politics. Currently the Chief Executive of UK Music, he previously served as Member of Parliament for the Barnsley East constituency between 2010 and 2017, during which he held senior positions in the Shadow Cabinet including Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

Membership of the Betting and Gaming Council is open to all gambling operators with a UK licence. It comprises members from the online and retail sectors, representing over 90% of the betting and gaming sector (excluding lotteries). All members are required to adhere to a new Code of Conduct setting the highest standards for membership.

Michael Dugher, newly appointed chief executive of the Betting and Gaming Council said:

“The betting and gaming industry is a hugely significant contributor to the leisure industry, to sport and to the UK economy as a whole. I look forward to working with Brigid and the members of the Betting and Gaming Council as we tackle the critical issues facing the sector. Like many millions of people, I enjoy having a bet. Creating a safe gambling environment will be my top priority.

Brigid Simmonds OBE, Chairman, Betting and Gaming Council commenting on Michael’s appointment said:

‘’Michael brings a wealth of experience from his time in parliament and more recently as chief executive of UK Music. He’ll bring great leadership, energy and experience to the Betting and Gaming Council and help deliver the ongoing change we need to ensure safe and enjoyable products. We share an ambition to make the UK the safest betting and gaming industry in the world. I very much look forward to working with him.”

Michael Dugher biography

Michael took over as CEO of UK Music in May 2017 after stepping down as an MP. UK Music is the trade body which represents all the different parts of the commercial music industry. He was the MP for Barnsley East seat for seven years, during which he held senior positions in the Shadow Cabinet including Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. He has also been involved in a number of charities and has previously served as a trustee on the Board of Nottingham Forest Football Club’s Community Trust.

Before being elected to the House of Commons in 2010, Michael spent eight years working in Whitehall in a variety of senior roles as a Special Advisor, including at No. 10 Downing Street as Chief Political Spokesman to the Prime Minister. Michael was also previously Director of UK Government Relations for EDS (now Hewlett Packard), a global technology services company, and Head of Policy for the AEEU (now Unite the Union).

Born and brought up in Doncaster in South Yorkshire, Michael has had a lifelong love of sport, in particular football, cricket and horse racing.