The Betting and Gaming Council, the industry trade group in the U.K., has stated that the “well-meaning but naive changes to regulation” suggested as part of the review of the 2005 Gambling Act could put the industry and its economic contribution at risk, according to SBC News.
Chief Executive Michael Dugher reiterated the betting and gaming sector’s role in the economy, generating £4.5 billion in taxes and indirectly and directly supporting 119,000 jobs in 2019.
More recently Council members pledged to create 5,000 apprenticeships between now and 2025 through their support for the Government’s Plan for Jobs, while also signing up to the Kick Start scheme to provide job opportunities for 16- to 24-year-olds.
“Our members are ready, willing, and able to assist in the post-Covid economic recovery plan. They already support thousands of tech jobs across the U.K., helping to generate billions of pounds in revenue for the Treasury.
“But it is vital the industry’s contribution to sports, local communities, jobs and tax revenues is not put at risk.”
In particular, the BGC has continually focused on the sporting contribution made by Britain’s betting and gaming space, notably driving £350 million to horseracing, £40 million to the English Football League, and £12.5 million to snooker, darts, and rugby leagues.
