Key points:
- BGC's Code Handbook includes 20 codes, consolidating safety and responsibility measures for members
- Codes exceed the requirements set by the Gambling Commission, addressing areas like advertising and customer spending
- Additional initiatives with regulators aim to build on these standards as part of ongoing White Paper reforms
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has launched its first Code Handbook, a document summarising over 100 measures across 20 voluntary codes that its members follow as part of efforts to maintain and raise standards in the UK’s betting industry.
Released to mark the BGC’s fifth anniversary, the handbook brings together existing voluntary commitments made by members, including codes that address responsible gambling and customer protections.
While some measures outlined in the handbook are required by the License Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP) set by the Gambling Commission, most go beyond regulatory requirements.
Initiatives include restrictions such as a “whistle-to-whistle” ban on TV betting ads during live sports before 9 pm, which has reduced children’s exposure to these ads, as well as a commitment by members to devote 20 percent of all TV, radio and digital advertising to safer gambling messaging.
BGC CEO Grainne Hurst said: “With 20 Codes covering 100 measures, which all BGC members follow as a condition of membership, this comprehensive document should rightly be seen as the concrete demonstration of our member’s determination to deliver world-class standards. This Code Handbook is also not the final word on this work because the commitment to raising standards does not stop for the BGC, or our members.”
In addition to existing codes, the BGC is currently working with the government and regulators on further measures, aligning with goals set out in the recent White Paper on gambling reform.
This includes enhanced spending checks for online customers and the expansion of the Bank Transfer Block project, aimed at giving customers more control over their spending.
The BGC also highlighted findings of increased engagement with unregulated operators, noting that around 1.5 million Brits reportedly stake with illegal gambling sites.
The organisation has pointed out that such platforms do not adhere to the same safety standards.
This development follows the BGC’s recent statements on proposed tax increases, which it argues could harm the sector’s contributions to the economy.
In October 2024, Hurst responded to tax proposals by underscoring the role of the regulated industry in supporting jobs and generating revenue, while also pointing to the risk of pushing more consumers toward black-market operators if taxes were raised.
