The head of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) is appealing to U.K. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak to “take bold steps to help retail the leisure industry, including bookies and casinos, and to tackle the online black-market.”
According to SBC News, BGC Chief Executive Michael Dugher said, “An antiquated business-rates regime does nothing to help struggling high streets hit by a drop in footfall. Bookies and casinos help attract people to our town centers, but once they’re gone, there are few if any retailers to step in to take their place.
“We urge the chancellor to take bold steps to help the high street with reform to business rates and casino taxation.”
Dugher said the group “welcomed the government’s commitment to an Online Harms Bill as an opportunity to clamp down on the black market, and the big platform-search engines promoting these sites. Unlike rogue black-market operators, BGC members in the regulated sector adhere to the highest standards—including zero tolerance on under-18s betting.”
He concluded, “We ask the chancellor to press for change that will help boost Exchequer revenues and stop unlicensed operators from preying on vulnerable consumers.”
The standards body has also asked its members to “substantially” boost their contributions towards funding and support for research, education and treatment initiatives, to ensure “the highest standards in betting and gaming.”
