Grainne Hurst has targeted the successful implementation of a statutory levy among her priorities after taking over as the Betting and Gaming Council’s (BGC) new chief executive today (9 September).
Hurst, formerly an Entain executive, was announced as the new BGC CEO in April. She begins work today, replacing Michael Dugher, who has become the BGC’s chair.
In her first comments as CEO, Hurst committed to delivering the UK’s gambling white paper. She said the focus will be on stability, growth and improving diversity.
“There is a huge amount of work ahead of us, not least delivering and implementing the outstanding proposals outlined in last year’s white paper, many of which our members called for,” Hurst said.
“That includes a statutory levy to address problem gambling and related harms, an ombudsman for improved consumer redress, online financial risk checks carefully targeted on those at risk, new stake limits for online slots, a Sports Sponsorship Code, plus mission critical modernisation proposals for the land-based casino sector.
“While achieving regulatory certainty after a period of so much change is top of my priority list, it is important for our industry to focus on stability, growth and diversity across the sector. That work must be underpinned by strong data and guided throughout by the voice of the everyday consumer.”
Hurst’s vision and strategy
Hurst joins the BGC from Entain, where she spent nearly 10 years, including as the firm’s group corporate affairs director. At Entain, she led the company’s activities and relationships with government and the public sector. In addition, she spearheaded the company rebrand from GVC to Entain.
Hurst previously held a number of senior roles in the land-based and online sectors. She also established the international arm of Global Gaming Women.
BGC chair Dugher said: “[Hurst] brings years of experience and knowledge in the regulated industry, together with a bold vision and strategy to refresh and reset the organisation going forward.”
The BGC, founded in 2019, represents more than 90% of the regulated betting and gaming industry in the UK.
Released in April 2023, the white paper outlines how gambling should be regulated in the UK. The BGC broadly backed the government’s gambling white paper at the time, particularly in relation to casino reform. It also includes proposals on affordability checks, sports betting and land-based casinos.
