The annual Grand National Charity Bet, organised by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), raised more than £20,000 ($27,072.80) for good causes this year.
A total of 66 politicians took part in the initiative, with representatives from a spectrum of British political parties involved.
Each MP places a £50 bet on a horse, and if the horse wins, the winnings will go to the MP’s nominated charity.
If the horse does not win, then the MP will donate £250 to the charity instead.
Some of the good causes this year included Ryedale Specials Families, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, St Richard’s Hospice and Dawley Town Hall CIC.
The MPs were also invited to place their bets at their local bookmakers, where they could meet with people from their constituencies.
During their visits, the MPs could see the impact betting shops have on the community by creating jobs and supporting players through responsible gambling measures.
Several MPs backed the winning horse this year, I Am Maximus, including Nigel Huddleston MP (Con, Droitwich and Evesham), Shaun Davies MP (Lab, Telford), Kevin Hollinrake MP (Con, Thirsk and Malton), Greg Smith MP (Con, Mid Buckinghamshire), Jacob Collier MP (Lab, Burton and Uttoxeter), Christian Wakeford MP (Lab, Bury South) and Mark Francois MP (Con, Rayleigh and Wickford).
Recent research found that 32% of UK bettors choose their horse based on name alone, with 15% backing horses with names that make them laugh.
Grainne Hurst, BGC CEO, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many Parliamentarians getting behind this initiative and supporting charities that make a real difference in communities up and down the country.
“The Grand National is one of the biggest moments in the sporting calendar, and this campaign is a great way of harnessing that excitement to deliver meaningful support for good causes.
“I want to thank all those who took part, and our members for continuing to back this initiative and help ensure that every participating charity benefits.”
Since the first National Charity Bet in 2022, the initiative has raised more than £70,000 for good causes across the UK.
The regulated betting and gaming industry continues to make a major contribution to the UK, supporting 109,000 jobs, generating £4bn in tax and contributing £6.8bn to the economy
