The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) announces the return of its charitable initiative centered around Royal Ascot’s Britannia Stakes race, set to benefit multiple organizations.
Key Takeaways:
- BGC members to donate Britannia Stakes profits to charity
- Initiative has raised over £3 million since its inception
- Participating bookmakers include major industry players
Sixth Year of Charitable Giving
The BGC’s Britannia Stakes charity initiative enters its sixth year, with participating operators pledging to contribute all profits from win and each-way bets on the race. Scheduled for June 19, traditionally known as Ladies’ Day, the event continues to support various causes.
This year’s beneficiaries include Prostate Cancer UK, Missing People, the SAS Regimental Association, Racing to School, Greenhouse Sports, Ascot Racecourse Supports, and Tempus Novo. If bookmakers don’t generate a profit, a combined £200,000 donation will be made instead.
Industry-Wide Participation
Major BGC members taking part in the initiative include Flutter (Paddy Power, Betfair, Sky Bet), Entain (Ladbrokes, Coral), Evoke (888, William Hill), Kindred (Unibet), Betway, Rank Group (Grosvenor Sport), Virgin Bet, LivescoreBet, Star Sports, QuinnBet, Tote, and Bet with Ascot.
Since its launch, the Britannia Stakes effort has contributed to a broader total of more than £6 million raised by BGC members for health, sport, and veterans’ causes since 2019.
Economic Impact of the Betting Sector
The UK’s regulated betting and igaming sector plays a significant role in the national economy. It currently supports 109,000 jobs, contributes £4 billion in tax revenues, and adds £6.8 billion to the economy annually. Within horseracing, BGC members provide approximately £350 million each year through sponsorship, media rights, and the betting levy.
Statements from Key Figures
Betting and Gaming Council CEO Grainne Hurst said: “I’m absolutely delighted to announce that BGC members will once more be raising significant funds for a host of charities at the Britannia Stakes.”
Felicity Barnard, Chief Executive at Ascot Racecourse, added: “We are delighted that members of the Betting and Gaming Council continue to support this hugely successful initiative.”
Laura Kerby, Chief Executive of Prostate Cancer UK, expressed gratitude: “We are delighted that the Betting and Gaming Council and their members will once again help fund lifesaving research and raise vital awareness about prostate cancer, the most common cancer in men.”
Conclusion
The Britannia Stakes charity initiative exemplifies the betting industry’s commitment to social responsibility. As the event approaches, it continues to highlight the positive impact that regulated gambling can have on various charitable causes, while maintaining the excitement of one of the UK’s premier racing events.
