The Betting & Gaming Council (BGC), a standards body for the regulated UK betting and gaming industry, announced that it is parting ways with Michael Dugher. Dugher, who served the body as chair, has decided to step down after six years at the BGC.
Dugher Departs BGC After Guiding the Industry Through a Period of Reforms
Dugher was originally the BGC’s founding chief executive officer. After four years in this position, he switched to chair of the body and continued to guide it through a turbulent period of continued regulatory reforms and headwinds.
During his time with the BGC, Dugher united the industry, cementing the council as a body representing land-based casinos, high street bookmakers, online betting operators, and bingo companies.
As mentioned, Dugher guided the BGC through a period of reforms, including the Gambling Act Review and subsequent publication of the Gambling White Paper, which introduced recommendations for significant regulatory changes.
During his time at the helm of the BGC, Dugher spearheaded the adoption of 20 new safer gambling codes containing 100 new standards. As an avid horseracing fan, he also launched several charity initiatives, including the Britannia Stakes charity race at Royal Ascot and the Grand National Charity Bet, which has so far raised over GBP 6.5 million for a variety of good causes.
Dugher is leaving the BGC to join the Brunswick Group, a leading global advisory firm, as its head of UK public affairs practice. At the same time, Dugher will continue to work as a freelance business advisor and will retain his position on Nottingham Forest Football Club’s board.
Dugher Is Pleased with the BGC’s Progress in Raising Standards
Dugher commented on his departure from the BGC, saying that he is “immensely proud” of the council’s progress in improving industry standards, supporting the regulated gaming industry, and raising millions for good causes.
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.
Michael Dugher
Dugher added that his team’s efforts helped to avoid many of the “most draconian and disproportionate measures” advocated by anti-gambling prohibitionists.
Dugher thanked everyone who has supported him during his time at the BGC and wished the gaming industry all the very best for the future.
Grainne Hurst, the BGC’s CEO, thanked Dugher for his guidance through some of Britain’s most significant gaming reforms in recent history. She added that she personally feels privileged to have worked with Dugher and said that he left a “proud and lasting legacy” at the BGC.
Ian Proctor, Flutter UK & Ireland’s chair, likewise had nothing but praise for Dugher and wished him every success in his future endeavors.