Grainne Hurst Succeeds Michael Dugher as Betting and Gaming Council CEO

Article by : Erik Gibbs Sep 10, 2024

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Grainne Hurst has officially taken the reins as CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), marking a significant leadership transition for the UK’s trade body for the gambling industry. Her appointment comes after a long-standing career in public affairs, most notably as Group Corporate Affairs Director at Entain Plc, where she spearheaded several major initiatives, including the creation of the Entain Foundation.

The foundation has committed £100 million (US$136 million) to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives across multiple regions. Hurst also played a key role in expanding the Global Gaming Women organization, helping drive diversity within the gambling industry.

Hurst succeeds Michael Dugher, who led the BGC through a challenging period and has now stepped into the role of Chairman as part of a broader leadership restructuring. Dugher leaves behind a legacy of steering the industry toward a more unified approach and helping to address regulatory changes that continue to impact the sector. He praised Hurst for her experience and vision, expressing confidence in her ability to guide the BGC through a pivotal time of change.

As the new CEO, Hurst steps into her role at a crucial juncture, as the UK government and Gambling Commission are in the process of implementing new regulations aimed at increasing consumer protection. These include online checks, stake limits for online slots, and the introduction of a statutory levy to address problem gambling. Hurst has stated that one of her key priorities will be ensuring regulatory certainty while helping the industry grow and modernize, with a strong focus on data-driven approaches to safeguard consumers.

Hurst is particularly focused on delivering the proposals outlined in the UK government’s White Paper on gambling, a document that has shaped much of the current regulatory landscape. Among the key initiatives, she has highlighted the importance of introducing a statutory levy to fund research, education, and treatment related to problem gambling. She also supports the creation of an Ombudsman to address consumer complaints, which is a move fully backed by BGC members.

Her leadership comes at a time when the BGC represents over 110,000 jobs and contributes significantly to the UK economy, with the sector generating £7.1 billion (US$9.2 billion) in economic activity and £4.2 billion (US$5.4 billion) in tax revenue. Hurst’s strategic vision includes not only ensuring regulatory compliance but also promoting diversity and innovation within the gambling industry. She emphasized that the organization will continue to advocate for the interests of the industry while keeping consumer protection at the forefront of its mission.

Dugher, now Chairman, expressed his support for Hurst’s goals, noting her extensive expertise and commitment to raising standards in safer gambling. Together, they aim to lead the BGC into a future of stability, growth, and enhanced consumer safeguards, with a data-driven approach shaping the organization’s priorities.