SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) will launch the betting industry’s latest charity initiative on Gold Cup Day (Thursday 18 June) at Royal Ascot.
Regarded as the festival’s ‘biggest wagering day’, the BGC confirmed that 13 UK betting brands will commit to donating all win and each-way profits taken from the heritage handicap Britannia Stakes (race-start: 16:10 BST).
Profits raised by the betting operators will be distributed to UK charities Prostate Cancer UK, Marie Curie, The Care Workers Charity and the Berkshire Community Foundation Coronavirus Fund.
Participating bookmakers include Paddy Power Betfair, bet365, Ladbrokes Coral, William Hill, Sky Bet, Betway, BetVictor, Kindred Group, Grosvenor Sport, Virgin Bet, Fitzdares, Genting Bet and JenningsBet.
Michael Dugher, Chief Executive of the BGC, said: “Royal Ascot is the premier highlight of the racing calendar, and it’s fitting that the profits betting companies make from one of its greatest races will go towards some fantastic causes.
“The betting and gaming industry has stepped up to the plate to help the national effort, and I’m delighted that again we can show our support for those on the front line with this fantastic initiative.”
The industry’s latest charity initiative follows the success of April’s ‘Virtual Grand National’, a televised event which raised £3 million for NHS Charities.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, BGC members have pledged to support the ‘national effort’ providing vital funds and resources for emergency services and frontline staff fighting the virus
Further to its update, the BGC highlighted Royal Ascot’s #StyledWithThanks charity appeal, encouraging festival fans to ‘dress-up’ in their best Ascot attire at home, sharing photos to raise money for the National Emergencies’ Trust Relief and NHS Charities – Royal Ascot has backed the #StyledWithThanks appeal with a £100,000 donation.
Alastair Warwick, Chief Operating Officer at Ascot Racecourse, said: “This is a tremendous gesture from so many of the powerhouses of the betting world. After the success of the Virtual Grand National initiative, we are thrilled that the betting industry has chosen to follow up at Royal Ascot and to complement our own fundraising initiatives for those on the front line of the Covid-19 crisis.”
