To this end, the industry expects to generate 1,500 tech jobs in the West Midlands over the next five years, announced the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC).
The region is home to “world-leading operators,” such as bet365 and Gamesys, alongside a number of iGaming developers like Intouch. Other industry employers based in the West Midlands include Genting, Inspired Gaming, Casino36, Broadway, Rainbow and Core Gaming.
“The BGC wants to build a world-class industry that is better understood, respected and a fully engaged member of the communities in which we operate,” said Michael Dugher, BGC Chief Executive.
Across the entire UK, the online betting, gaming and bingo sector supports nearly 120,000 jobs, with almost 20,000 located in the West Midlands alone, and of those, 4,500 are located in Stoke: bet365’s hometown.
There are also 500 betting shops and 16 casinos in the region, which generate a combined total of £250m ($311m) in tax annually.
Jo Gideon, a Conservative Party politician and the MP for Stoke-On-Trent, said: “BGC members, such as bet365 in Stoke-on-Trent, are providing high-skilled, good-quality jobs that provide excellent, long-term career opportunities for families across the area.
“As we deal with the legacy of Covid-19 and challenges such as the cost of living, the importance of responsible organisations and the role they play has never been greater.”
