BGC unveils UK gaming industry DEI principles ahead of International Women’s Day

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has released a new diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) Statement of Principles, reinforcing the regulated UK betting and gaming sector’s commitment to fair and inclusive workplaces.

Published ahead of International Women’s Day on 8 March, the statement outlines a shared commitment across the industry to promote respect, ensure equal opportunity, support employee wellbeing, and maintain safe working environments.

Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the BGC, said the initiative highlights the industry’s responsibility to create workplaces that are fair and respectful for all employees.

“Our sector employs hundreds of thousands of people across shops, offices, technology hubs and customer-facing roles,” she said. “We have a responsibility to ensure those workplaces are fair, respectful and safe for everyone.”

Hurst noted that the BGC has strengthened its internal policies, introducing enhanced parental leave, a menopause strategy, and expanded mental health and wellbeing support.

“Many of our members are already demonstrating leadership in this space, and through this Statement of Principles, we are setting a clear baseline for the whole industry,” she said. “By working collaboratively, sharing best practices and holding ourselves to high standards, we can strengthen trust in our sector and create environments where talented people from all backgrounds can thrive.”

To support the initiative, the council will use its People’s Forum, which brings together representatives from across the sector to share best practices on workplace inclusion. It is also conducting a survey of members to better understand diversity across the regulated betting and gaming industry.

Representing more than 90% of the regulated sector, the BGC said it will work with members to raise standards and promote inclusive practices across retail, technology, trading, customer service, and corporate roles.

The DEI Statement of Principles commits BGC members to treating all people with dignity and respect by ensuring professional and constructive behaviour across workplaces, retail sites, industry events, and online interactions.

Members are also expected to commit to fair opportunity and inclusive practice by supporting transparent recruitment and progression, reducing bias, and recognising multiple pathways into the industry.

The principles also emphasize supporting wellbeing through the creation of workplaces that prioritise mental health, flexibility, and reasonable adjustments, particularly for customer-facing and shift-based roles.

Finally, members are required to promote safe, lawful, and responsible working by meeting legal obligations, encouraging safeguarding, and linking inclusive workplaces to responsible operation within a regulated industry.

The BGC said it will continue monitoring progress across the sector as members advance their DEI commitments.