BGC report outlines contribution by gambling industry to communities, economy and sport
Highlights include £10m donation by Denise Coates Foundation and Entain’s £100m pledge to invest £100m into grassroots sport, RG and community projects
The Betting and Gaming Council has released a report setting out the contributions made by the regulated betting and gaming industry towards corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
The report by the industry’s trade body outlines investments made by BGC members over two years for the initiatives such as effort against Covid-19 or funding causes including cancer, mental health and dementia charities.
The BGC said the Denise Coates Foundation – created by bet365 founder and CEO Denise Coates – made a £10m donation to University Hospital of Northern Midlands, while the Entain Foundation was singled out for its pledge to invest £100m into grassroots sport, RG, health and community projects.
Furthermore, BGC members funded the £10m Young People’s Gambling Harm Prevention Programme delivered by GamCare and YGAM, and Flutter was behind a £5m project to support grassroots sports clubs affected by the pandemic.
Almost £3m was directed to NHS Charities, and an additional £1.25m to Prostate Cancer UK, Marie Curie, the three Armed Forces charities and Care Radio.
Michael Dugher, chief executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “This report highlights the huge contribution the regulated industry is making to the communities in which it operates.
“I’m especially proud of the contribution made by so many people who work in our industry. I know that many of them – with the support of their employers – are active in their local communities and our report includes several inspiring examples of industry employees who have gone the extra mile to help others.”
The BGC also pointed out how William Hill’s Nick Pearson set up a PPE equipment production line in his own home, and highlighted Kim James of Mecca Bingo’s work to help vulnerable people in Swansea which inspired the launch of a national ‘Everyone Deserves a Christmas’ campaign.
Besides the monetary assistance, BGC members pledged to reduce their carbon footprint and invest in sustainability projects, including to plant one million trees worldwide.
The BGC was also keen to stress that its members support 119,000 jobs, generate £4.5bn in tax and contribute £7.7bn to the economy in gross value.