Profits from Britannia Stakes donated to UK charities for sixth year running

The Britannia Stakes race is taking place tomorrow (19 June) at Royal Ascot, and once again, all of its profits made from bookies will be donated to several top UK charities.

This is the sixth year running that the big-field heritage handicap will see its profits divided between a group of good causes, signed by Flutter (Paddy Power, Betfair, Sky Bet), Entain (Ladbrokes, Coral), Evoke (888 William Hill), Kindred (Unibet), Betway, Rank Group (Grosvenor Sport), Virgin Bet, LiveScoreBet, Star Sports, QuinnBet, Tote and Bet with Ascot.

The charities receiving support include; Prostate Cancer UK, Missing People, the SAS Regimental Association, Ascot Racecourse Supports, Racing to School, Greenhouse Sports and TempusNovo.

Grainne Hurst, Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) CEO, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to announce that BGC members will once more be raising significant funds for a host of charities at the Britannia Stakes.

“The BGC and our members are incredibly proud to have raised millions for a host of cherished good causes over the last five years, and it’s fantastic to partner with Royal Ascot once again to add to that tally.

“Millions of us enjoy a flutter, while Royal Ascot is the crown jewel in the sporting calendar, so it’s fantastic to see Britain’s bookies once again donating their profits from the Britannia Stakes. Whatever the result, charities are guaranteed to win big.”

Royal Ascot began yesterday (17 June) and finishes on Saturday (21st June). The event evolved from the first four-day race meeting held at the track back in 1768.

A win-win for good causes

If the aforementioned bookmakers do not make a profit on the race, they have each promised to make a combined donation of £200,000 which would be split among the nominated charities. This is a practice that dates back several years.

Since 2019, the race has raised more than £3m from BGC members. The initiative massively contributes to the overall figure that sees BGC members alone having raised more than £6m for a range of health, sport and veterans charities through similar activities.

“We are again thrilled that Ascot Racecourse Supports is a beneficiary – the monies raised are helping to support key community and equine legacy projects and we are hugely grateful,” added Felicity Barnard, CEO at Ascot Racecourse.

For charities such as Prostate Cancer UK, for example, the funding will help towards research into catching and treating the illness early, with one in eight men being affected by the disease in their lifetime.

Laura Kerby, Chief Executive of Prostate Cancer UK, expressed that the group is proud to team up with Ascot and bookmakers to raise more than half a million pounds through previous editions of the Britannia Stakes.

She explained: “We’re excited that funds raised this year will support our groundbreaking screening trial, TRANSFORM. Led by world-leading experts, TRANSFORM will find the best way to screen men for the disease – so that one day all men will be invited for regular tests to get diagnosed early enough to be cured.”

Betting and racing’s ties

Betting’s relationship with horseracing has remained extremely close over the years, with many bookmakers sponsoring certain races, meets and having racing brand ambassadors. Events like Royal Ascot are a great opportunity for the sector to give back to the community and maximise bettor engagement.

The event is gathering lots of attention around the globe, and now being shown in more than 180 territories through 30 broadcasters. HBA Media was responsible for organising the distribution of widespread coverage on behalf of the Berkshire-based track.

With the vast reach of Royal Ascot, a huge opportunity is presented for operators in terms of revenue – especially in the UK and Ireland where the sport is often described as a “betting powerhouse”.

Brian O’Keeffe, spokesperson for BoyleSports, recently told SBC News: “Royal Ascot is the jewel in the crown of the flat racing calendar and offers a blend of world-class sport, history and prestige that really captures the imagination of the public. 

“It’s racing at its finest and this is very much reflected in our turnover for the five days, which puts it up there with Cheltenham and the Grand National as one of the most important events of the year.”