The Betting and Gaming Council (BCG) has welcomed the appointment Vicky Foxcroft as the new Minister Responsible for Gambling, where she will aim to utilise a “balanced, evidence-led approach” to form a regulatory environment that protects consumers, supports investment and fights back against illegal gambling.
“I would like to congratulate Vicky Foxcroft MP on her appointment as Minister responsible for gambling. We look forward to working with her to champion Britain’s casinos, betting shops and online betting, gaming and bingo businesses - an industry that brings enjoyment to millions of people, sustains 109,000 jobs, contributes billions of pounds to the economy and provides vital funding for some of Britain’s best-loved sports,” BGC Chief Executive Grainne Hurst said.
“Following the extensive changes introduced through the Gambling White Paper, it is vital that future policy is evidence-led, proportionate and fully considers the cumulative impact of regulation and recent tax increases on jobs, investment and the competitiveness of the regulated sector.
“We also look forward to working with the new Minister to tackle the rapidly growing illegal gambling black market, which puts consumers at risk and contributes nothing to the economy or British sport.”
The BGC stated Foxcroft’s support for regulation is “properly targeted and fit for purpose.”
The body also paid tribute to outgoing Gambling Minister Baroness Fiona Twycross, who oversaw the industry’s contribution to jobs, tourism, local economies and leisure.
Hurst continued: “I would also like to offer my sincere thanks to Baroness Fiona Twycross for the thoughtful, open and constructive way she engaged with our industry throughout her time as Minister responsible for gambling.
“She made a genuine effort to understand our members, taking the time to meet staff and visit venues across the country to see first-hand the industry’s important contribution to jobs, investment, local economies and British sport, as well as the enjoyment it brings to millions of people. She also recognised our members’ commitment to protecting vulnerable people. We have greatly valued her engagement and wish her every success for the future."
At the start of June, the BGC introduced a five-point plan designed to address the continued growth of the UK's illegal gambling market, calling for coordinated action from government, regulators, technology firms and payment providers.
The trade body, which represents around 90% of the regulated UK betting and gaming sector, said the expansion of unlicensed gambling operators poses increasing risks to consumers, including fraud, financial crime and gambling-related harm.
The BGC welcomed the reappointment of Lisa Nandy MP as Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and the appointment of John Healey MP as Chancellor of the Exchequer on 21 July
