Published
Sports Betting

BGC stresses importance of industry in providing vital support to UK sport

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has put forward how important it feels the sports betting industry is for supporting UK sports that have been severely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

shutterstock_353109098

The BGC reinforced to a House of Commons committee that sports such as horse racing, football, rugby league and snooker have had to rely on funds provided by sponsorship, media rights and levy payments from operators.

The body’s submission to MPs on the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, who are holding an inquiry into sport in local communities, aims to highlight the partnership between betting and sport.

The message comes at a time the industry has faced heightened political scrutiny related to sponsorship in sport, with the UK Government reportedly planning to review such deals, along with gambling advertisements.

The BGC said: “The sectors would not exist without the sponsorship, levies and media rights payments paid by the betting sector, and so too there would be no product to bet on.

“Sponsorship from betting and gaming operators is worth more than £10m ($13.3m) a year to darts and snooker, while English Football League (EFL) clubs receive around £40m a year from the industry.”

In September, GVC Holdings signalled its support of grassroots sports in the UK, with the launch of its Pitching In programme, a multi-million-pound investment fund in partnership with the Isthmian, Northern Premier and Southern Leagues.

Many EFL and non-league clubs are struggling to cope due to the pandemic, with a parliamentary committee last week hearing that at least 10 EFL clubs are struggling to pay its wages for November.

BGC CEO Michael Dugher added: “Some sports are living on a knife-edge because of the ongoing ban on spectators, so the funding provided by our members is even more important than usual.”

Premium+ Connections
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium Connections
Consultancy
Executive Profiles
Chicken Ranch Casino
The Responsible Gambling Affiliate Association (RGAA)
Catena Media
Gambling Commission
Follow Us
The most prestigious Awards in the industry are heading to the Philippines! The Global Gaming Awards Asia-Pacific will recognise and reward (as the name suggests) the strongest performers from the Asia-Pacific gaming industry across the previous 12 months.
This year's winners will be announced at a luncheon ceremony on Day 2 of SiGMA Asia, 4th June, in Manila.
The eleventh annual Global Gaming Awards Americas will recognize and reward the gaming industry's strongest performers across the previous 12 months. These are the most prestigious and trusted Awards in the industry and have gained respect amongst industry heavyweights, due to the strict rules and procedures put in place.

Facing Facts: Operator Q3s from across the globe

Gambling Insider compares Q3 2023 results from major gamblin...

Taking Stock: Operators and suppliers across the world

Sticking with our theme of gambling across the globe, Gambli...

CEO Special: Jade Entertainment and Gaming CEO Joe Pisano - down to earth

Jade Entertainment and Gaming CEO Joe Pisano speaks to Gambl...

CEO Special: Betfred CEO Joanne Whittaker - saying it as it is

Betfred CEO Joanne Whittaker joins Gambling Insider Editor T...