The Betting and Gaming Council of Great Britain (BGC), as part its annual Grand National Charity Betting initiative, has raised more than PS15,000 ($18,635/EUR17,565/$18.635) in donations for charitable causes.
The BGC invites MPs to bet on charity each year at the Grand National, the showpiece of horseracing. All winnings are donated to the charity chosen by each MP.
I Am Maximus was 7/1 favorite, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend. It is owned by JP McManus. I Am Maximus was backed by Christian Wakeford, Maria Caulfield, Justin Tomlinson, and Peter Aldous.
More than 50 members of parliament took part. Other participants included Sir Alok Sharma and Dame Caroline Noakes, as well as Scotland Minister John Lamont.
The charities that were nominated but whose MP partners weren’t so fortunate will receive a contribution. BGC members William Hill, Ladbrokes Coral, Paddy Power, and Betfred pledged PS250 each to the featured charities.
Combining these donations and winning bets will result in a donation to charities of PS15.115. The increase is a significant one compared to last year, when the charity received PS13.500.
BGC Chief: Grand National Betting is part of British Culture
Grand National horse racing is the biggest event in the sport. The race was first held in Aintree Racecourse, England in 1839. It is now run over a distance of four miles and five hundred fourteen yards. Red Rum is still the winner of the most races, having finished first in 1973 and 1974.
BGC Chief Executive Michael Dugher stated that “600 millions people around the globe tuned in to one of the greatest Grand Nationals.” Around 12 million adults in the UK, or roughly one third of the adult population, bet on The National. It is clear that having a bet on the National has become ingrained in British culture.
I would like to express my gratitude to all the MPs that took part in this event for their support of so many good causes, and also for visiting constituents at betting shops. There were more than ever, including ministers and Shadow Ministers from all political parties, who supported the BGC, and the Grand National.”
