BGC Publishes Code Handbook, Reiterates Commitment to High Standards

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), an industry standards body, has published its first Code Handbook. The new publication will encompass 20 Codes covering 100 measures aligning with the industry’s ambition to raise its standards.

BGC Commemorates Its Anniversary with Inaugural Code Handbook

The publication commemorates the BGC’s fifth anniversary and collates every voluntary commitment BGC operators must sign up to in order to join the council, including the Code of Conduct.

The BGC pointed out that three of its codes have now been incorporated into the License Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP) for members. However, most of the commitments are voluntary and go beyond the obligatory commitments set by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).

Some of the codes were originally created by the ABB and Senet Group, and subsequently adopted by the BGC. Others were created in collaboration with leading industry charities.

In addition to publishing its Code Handbook and vowing to uphold high standards, the BGC also continues to work with the British government and regulator on 50 additional workstreams to further raise standards in the wake of the white paper publication.

The white paper, for context, outlined multiple safer gambling recommendations, including the introduction of controversial affordability checks, new advertising rules and the creation of an industry Ombudsman, among other measures.

High Standards Are What Separates Legal Gaming from the Black Market

Grainne Hurst, the chief executive officer of the Betting and Gaming Council, said that she was delighted to announce the new Code Handbook. Hurst noted that the publication fittingly coincided with the council’s fifth anniversary and reiterated the industry’s commitment to raising standards.

The BGC was founded as the industry’s standards body, and this Handbook draws together our sector’s combined efforts, under the leadership of the BGC, to raise standards on safer gambling in the UK.

Grainne Hurst, CEO, BGC

The comprehensive document, she added, attests to the BGC members’ determination to uphold the highest standards. She added that the Code Handbook is the culmination of the industry body’s work but not the final word since raising standards is a continuous process. Because of that, the BGC will continue working with the government to deliver further improvements, as per the white paper.  

We are determined to deliver the foundations for a sustainable sector, built on stability, growth and diversity, ensuring our members set the global standard for our world-class industry.

Grainne Hurst, CEO, BGC

Hurst and the BGC concluded that high standards are what separates the regulated gaming sector from the dangerous black market.