The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has welcomed the Labour Party’s manifesto pledge to work with the industry on responsible gambling. 

Labour launched its manifesto on Thursday, in which it set out its plans should Keir Starmer be elected as the new UK Prime Minister. 

Within the manifesto, Labour set out its commitment to reduce gambling-related harm and to continue working with the industry to ensure standards are driven up on responsible betting and gaming. 

The reforms set out in the UK White Paper are something that have been supported by the BGC and Labour. This was emphasised at the BGC’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) back in February when the current Shadow Minister for Sport, Gambling and Media Stephaine Peacock underlined how the White Paper would be taken forward “regardless” of any election results. 

BGC CEO and Acting Chair Michael Dugher said: “On behalf of our members, the 110,000 people whose jobs rely on the regulated betting and gaming industry, and the 22.5 million people who enjoy a bet each month, we welcome Labour’s general election manifesto and its commitment to continue working with the industry to further drive up standards. 

“BGC members are currently undergoing the biggest regulatory changes in a generation following the publication of the White Paper, which Labour supported, and much of this work will be ongoing after the general election. This is also backed up by the industry’s own significant efforts to continue to drive world-class standards and protections for the vulnerable, which has transformed the sector in recent years and stands in marked contrast to the dangers posed by the unsafe, unregulated black market online.  

“BGC has long treated Labour as not merely the official opposition in parliament, but as a government in waiting. We have worked closely with shadow ministers in recent years and we strongly welcome their commitment in the manifesto to work with the regulated industry. Whatever happens at the polls, our work to drive up standards carries on and we look forward to partnering with the next government in this vitally important work.”

In other news related to the UK General Election, it has been reported that current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s parliamentary private secretary Craig Williams is under investigation by the Gambling Commission.

He allegedly placed a £100 ($127.87) bet on the date of a July election only three days before the official announcement.