The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) supports the Labour government’s directive to improve access to grassroots sports for working-class communities.
Chairman and former Labour MP Michael Dugher praised the new DCMS Secretary of State, Lisa Nandy, for enhancing grassroots support. He said, “Prioritising support for the grassroots shows young people that they matter and that sport can transform lives across Britain. That is our ambition.”
Dugher emphasised that Labour’s ambitions align with those of the BGC. He stated, “Although some middle-class critics at The Times and The Guardian may look down on it, regulated betting and sport have always enjoyed a symbiotic relationship. Sport and betting share a common heritage and have long been part of working-class culture.”
The BGC recognizes the bonds between sports and working-class communities, with its members providing vital support to sports like rugby league, darts, snooker, and lower league football.
Dugher highlighted Betfred’s role as the principal partner of Rugby League, calling it a “true working-class sport.” Betfred sponsors the Betfred Super League, Championship, and Challenge Cup, as well as the Women’s and Wheelchair equivalents. They are also the official partner of the England Rugby League team. Dugher noted, “Without Fred Done’s support, Rugby League couldn’t survive in its current form.”
Sports leagues and communities across the UK benefit from betting partnerships, such as the English Football League (EFL) receiving £40 million annually from Sky Bet.
BGC members Entain, Flutter, and bet365 have launched successful funding schemes that promote grassroots and support amateur football clubs in local communities.
Beyond football, horseracing receives record-breaking funding of around £350m from the betting industry. This is significant for the new MPs representing constituencies with racecourses.
As the Paris Olympic Games approach, Dugher pointed out the UK gambling funding of SportsAid projects that support Team GB’s next gold champions. This initiative is backed by 40 parliamentarians, including many new MPs and ministers.
UK gambling’s commitment to sports funding aligns with safer gambling measures. The BGC supports implementing the White Paper, which Labour backed in opposition. The measures include establishing a consumer ombudsman, casino modernisation, a statutory levy for research and prevention, and targeted online financial risk checks.
“Our members get involved because these sports teams and clubs are part of the cultural fabric of communities, providing identity, heritage, and crucial opportunities for youngsters. This is particularly true for working-class communities and the sports they love, despite the snobbery from some anti-gambling critics.”
Dugher reminded DCMS that UK gambling is a diverse sector reflective of British society, with many incumbents forming vital relations and economic contributions to local communities outside of London, consistent with Labour’s plans for government.
Dugher concluded, “I have no doubt that Lisa Nandy understands this. She knows how important sports like rugby league are to places like her constituency in Wigan. She has long championed grassroots sport and has been a strong supporter of the Tote, based in her constituency. In her first interview as the new Secretary of State, Nandy told the Manchester Evening News, ‘Whether it’s through investing in grassroots sport or opening up opportunities in media, film, dance, drama for working-class kids in communities like Bolton and Bury, that is going to be the mission and the work of our government.’ The new government has set out its mission, and it’s one I share.”