Tag Archives: Brigid Simmonds

BGC new CEO Grainne Hurst aims for stability, logic and diversity to govern UK gambling

SBC News BGC new CEO Grainne Hurst aims for stability, logic and diversity to govern UK gambling

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) begins a new leadership era by welcoming Grainne Hurst as the CEO of the trade and standards body of UK gambling. Announced in April, Hurst succeeds Michael Dugher as CEO, who, as part of a leadership restructure, chose to take on the role of Chairman. The BGC describes Hurst as a ‘standout leader’ for …

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BGC sponsors Leicester Veterans’ Day for second-year running

SBC News BGC sponsors Leicester Veterans’ Day for second-year running

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) is sponsoring this year’s Leicester Racecourse Veterans’ Day, which raises vital funds for several military charities. The BGC has lauded the event as another opportunity to give back to the veteran community that has ‘sacrificed so much on behalf of this nation’s safety, security and prosperity’. Furthermore, the organisation will also be sponsoring the …

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UK Gambling warned of vital interplays as Affordability Checks blur spotlight

SBC News UK Gambling warned of vital interplays as Affordability Checks blur spotlight

Yesterday’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) showcased the distinct opinions of key political actors at the centre of delivering the change needed to future-proof UK gambling.  “There is never a dull moment in our industry,” stated BGC CEO Michael Dugher, opening the proceedings of the AGM held at the Institution of Civil Engineers in …

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BGC changes chair as Simmonds steps away from UK gambling 

SBC News BGC changes chair as Simmonds steps away from UK gambling 

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has confirmed that Brigid Simmonds (OBE) will step down as Chair of the industry trade and standards body for UK gambling.  The former Chief Executive of The Pub Association, Simmonds was appointed the BGC’s inaugural Chair in 2019, tasked with representing a “united betting and gaming industry” ahead of the Gambling Review being initiated …

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Brigid Simmonds: Levy consultation must protect vital RET contribution third sector parties.

SBC News Brigid Simmonds: Levy consultation must protect vital RET contribution third sector parties.

Brigid Simmonds (OBE), Chair of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), has urged the government to guarantee the funding of third sector organisations in its consultation of a mandatory levy on problem gambling harms. Announced yesterday by DCMS, an eight-week consultation has been launched to gather stakeholder insights on the structure, management and oversight of a fixed levy collecting funds …

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Brigid Simmonds: The balance between free choice and operator responsibility

SBC News Brigid Simmonds: The balance between free choice and operator responsibility

Having traversed a long career across the spheres of sports, politics and betting, Brigid Simmonds OBE knows all too well the intricacies of interacting with policymakers on key industry issues. Ahead of her induction into the SBC Hall of Fame at the SBC Summit Barcelona, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) Chair reflected on her experience of legislative engagement as …

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Brigid Simmonds (OBE): White Paper provides a shared experience of gambling’s conflict & resolution

SBC News Brigid Simmonds (OBE): White Paper provides a shared experience of gambling’s conflict & resolution

Brigid Simmonds, Chair of the Betting & Gaming Council (BGC) reflects on the trade body’s development since its inception in 2019, navigating the crossfire of UK Gambling’s journey towards its regulatory resolution in 2023.  A headline speaker of the SBC Summit Barcelona (19-21 September), Simmonds cites that UK Gambling shares a ‘common experience’ with other European markets awaiting regulatory settlement. …

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Anna Hemmings vacates GamCare CEO position

Anna Hemmings, GamCare

GamCare CEO Anna Hemmings has stepped down from her leadership position at the gambling treatment support network after a five-year tenure. Hemmings guided the charity’s strategy and direction through several transformative years for UK gambling and the expansion of its treatment support network and resources.  Her tenure included guiding the organisation through the COVID-19 pandemic, and the two-year duration of …

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Brigid Simmonds: Over-regulation risks losing valuable firms overseas

Brigid Simmonds: Over-regulation risks losing valuable firms overseas

In an opinion piece on the forthcoming Gambling Act review White Paper, Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) Chair Brigid Simmonds has warned that the UK could lose investment. Writing on Conservative Home during the World Cup, the Conservative Party’s news and blogging webpage, Simmonds stated that the betting sector is operating under the pressure of rising costs, but also under …

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BGC lauds industry’s efforts as Commission reports 0.2% problem gambling rate

Michael Dugher BGC

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has revealed that the country’s problem gambling rate has dropped for another year to 0.2%, prompting the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) to praise the industry’s efforts.  Issuing an update, the UKGC demonstrated that problem gambling rates had consistently fallen year-on-year from 2020 onwards, with the March 2020 figure standing at 0.6%, falling to 0.4% …

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