UK betting industry welcomes Sunak’s appointment as PM

News that Rishi Sunak has been appointed as the new British Prime Minister landed on positive ground amongst members of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), which is hoping for fast progress on a “sensible” and “proportionate” white paper on the industry. 

Sunak is big advocate of British racing industry

British Horse Racing (BHA) CEO Julie Harrington congratulated Sunak on his election as Conservative Party leader and added that as constituency MP for Catterick racecourse and Middleham since 2015, Sunak was a big advocate of the British racing industry.

“These are challenging economic times for the country, including many participants and businesses across British racing, and we will continue to advocate strongly, on a cross-party basis, for policies that will support our industry in the months and years ahead,” she stated.

Calling on new PM to deliver “sensible” gambling reforms

Michael Dugher CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council, commented that Sunak is aware of how much racing is connected with the regulated betting industry, adding that “BGC members contribute £7.7 billion ($8.9 billion) to the UK economy, including £4.5bn in tax, as well as sustaining nearly 120,000 jobs – something our new PM and his team fully understand from their time running the Treasury”.

Dugher expressed his hopes that the administration under the new PM will make fast “on a sensible, proportionate and carefully targeted gambling white paper, one that helps to further drive up standards and protect the vulnerable, while safeguarding jobs, investment and sport – and not spoiling the enjoyment of the overwhelming majority of punters who bet safely and responsibly”.

The long-delayed white paper, first announced in 2019, has fallen victim to the ongoing disruptions in U.K. politics.

Join us: 14 – 18 November 2022 MALTA

One of the first European countries to regulate the gaming sector, Malta is a hub of global business. The island is an obvious choice for SiGMA’s presence in Europe and a strong foundation for the field’s future. With a plethora of prospects for both investors and entrepreneurs looking to shape the future of this multi-billion-dollar business, Malta Week will bring together industry giants among the affiliates, operators, and suppliers of the gaming sector.