BGC Welcomes DCMS’ Proposed Casino Modernization Measures

Britain’s Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) commented on the recent casino modernization proposals by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), praising the efforts to align the UK casino regulations with the modern age.

For context, the DCMS outlined a number of “modest but mission-critical” modernization measures in its white paper consultation response. The proposals were outlined in a Written Ministerial Statement by Stuart Andrew MP, Britain’s minister for sport, gambling and civil society.

Andrew said that Britain’s regulations are outdated and suggested that it is necessary to modernize them.

The BGC admitted that it would take time to consider the full impact of the proposals. However, the industry body praised the proposed addition of cashless payments and new rules on gaming machine allocations. In addition, the proposals seek to allow casinos to offer sports betting for the first time.

The BGC urged ministers to act swiftly and implement these plans so that businesses can improve their offer to customers without delay.

Dugher Says Decisive Action Is Needed

Michael Dugher, the BGC’s CEO and acting chair, commented on the matter, noting that casinos are an important pillar of the UK’s leisure, hospitality and tourism sector. Casinos in Britain employ over 10,000 people and contribute billions in taxes every year.  Because of that, Dugher’s team welcomed the government’s desire to modernize British gaming, believing that this would be a boon to the economy.

The BGC and our fantastic casino members have campaigned for these new measures for years to allow businesses to modernize, innovate and grow, and we strongly welcome the Government’s approach to ensure casinos are better placed to make that happen.

Michael Dugher, CEO & chair, BGC

Dugher reiterated the BGC’s stance that the government should set a clear timeline for the implementation of the policy changes. He said that the lack of decisive action has forced many casinos to close, leaving hundreds of people without a job.

For context, approximately 22.5 million adults in the United Kingdom enjoy at least some form of gambling. However, this also means that the country faces certain problems when it comes to problem gambling. The most recent NHS Health Survey for England, for example, estimated that 0.4% of the adult population are problem players.