Michael Dugher leaves BGC chair role with immediate effect

Michael Dugher has stepped down as Betting and Gaming Council chair with immediate effect. Having been at the UK gambling industry trade body since its inception in 2019, Dugher has now departed to become head of Brunswick Group's UK public affairs practice.

Senior industry figures paid tribute to Dugher as he departs to take on the new role at the global advisory firm. Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, described Dugher’s contribution to the trade body as “exceptional.”

“From the outset, he brought clarity of purpose, a trusted standing with policymakers and regulators, and a steadfast commitment to championing a responsible, well-regulated betting and gaming industry,” Hurst said.

Dugher, a former Labour MP and shadow culture minister, led the BGC from its formation in December 2019 as chief executive. The BGC was created to take over the roles of separate industry bodies representing land-based casinos, high street bookmakers, and online betting, gaming, and bingo. He later succeeded Brigid Simmonds as Chair, taking the position in April 2024.

Flutter Entertainment’s UK & Ireland Chairman Ian Proctor also cited Dugher’s role in the trade body’s engagement with government and regulators.

“Michael worked tirelessly to help establish the BGC as a strong and authoritative body for the regulated industry,” Proctor said. “During a period of significant policy change, his experience and judgment were invaluable in supporting constructive engagement with government and the regulator, including through the Gambling Act Review and the delivery of the white paper.”

Tenure included gambling reform and safer gambling codes

During Dugher’s time with the BGC, the UK gambling sector went through a period of regulatory change linked to the previous government’s gambling review and the subsequent white paper, described as the biggest shake-up since the Gambling Act 2005.

Dugher’s chairmanship coincided with the implementation of the white paper. The BGC said he oversaw the introduction and adoption of 20 new safer gambling codes containing 100 new standards.

His tenure also covered last year’s budget, which included tax rises affecting the industry, announced last November.

Dugher said he was “immensely proud” of his time with the council and pointed to industry efforts that raised millions of pounds for charities.

Dugher said: “In an era when there is sadly so much ignorance and snobbery about betting – not helped, in my view, by the decline in the number of working-class people in parliament – the BGC did a difficult job in navigating the industry through the previous government’s gambling review. This resulted in a White Paper that, although not without its challenges, avoided many of the most draconian and disproportionate measures advocated by anti-gambling prohibitionists.

“By embracing change and positively engaging with government and parliamentarians, we made the case for an evidence-led approach to regulation and legislation that raised standards, protected jobs and growth as much as possible, and delivered historic deregulation and investment for Britain’s world-leading casino sector – all while keeping customers safe in the regulated industry. This approach is increasingly at risk today, given the very worrying growth in harmful gambling in the unregulated online black market.

“I would like to thank all the BGC members and staff who supported me over the years, especially the BGC’s superb chief executive, Grainne Hurst. I would also like to pay tribute to the many ministers, shadow ministers, and officials at DCMS with whom I was privileged to work with. I wish the industry, and the sports that rely on its funding, not least British horseracing, all the very best for the future."