BGC 10-pledge Pandemic Action Plan

UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson recently announced that the country would be going into lockdown again following a spike in the number of COVID infections. This has left many in the UK betting and gaming industry – an industry that employs more than 70 000 individuals – wondering what happens next.

Fortunately, the Betting and Gaming Council (BCG) has sought to allay those fears by re-affirming the 10-pledge COVID Action Plan.

The BCG is the only association for the UK’s betting and gaming industry. They focus on representing the interests of casinos, online gaming sites, and betting shops across the country.

Considering that they represent a sector that contributes more than £14 billion to the UK economy, the BCG’s role in creating a safe betting and gaming environment is rather important. As a result, their renewed commitment to the 10-pledge plan carries a lot of weight.

 What is the 10-Pledge Action Plan?

The initial 10-pledge plan was introduced in March, at the time of the first lockdown. Its purpose was to lay down the standards that all BCG members were expected to abide by during this period. With the second lockdown now underway, BCG members took to re-affirming those pledges. 

In a recent interview, Michael Dugher, BGC chief executive, said: 

“Our members did not hesitate to sign up to our 10-pledge action plan in March and I am delighted that they have done so again as we, regrettably, go back into some form of lockdown, admittedly with far fewer restrictions this time.

Nothing is more important than the safety and welfare of our staff and customers, and these pledges make very clear the standards expected of our members in the coming weeks.”

The 10-pledge Action Plan seeks to provide greater protection for players and also take care of industry employees.

The pledges include:

1. Increase safer gambling messages across all sites and direct to all customers.
2. To step up interventions if customers increase time and spend beyond normal pre-crisis patterns.
3. To actively promote deposit limits.
4. To take action to ensure the appropriate and responsible advertising, including monitoring volume.
5. To report all illegal advertising from black market online operators.
6. A “one-strike-and-you’re-out” policy if affiliates breach pledges.
7. Signpost help to GAMCARE, the National Gambling Helpline and GamStop for self-exclusion.
8. Ongoing commitment to ensuring funding for Research Education and Treatment (RET).
9. Welfare checks and well-being help for staff members.
10. Supporting the Government’s ‘National Effort’ with volunteers and facilities.

These pledges are in addition to the BCG’s existing pledge to ensure that at least 20% of the industry’s radio and television advertisements will be geared towards promoting safer gambling messages.

 A Worthy Commitment

In a time where the gambling industry’s customers and staff are at their most vulnerable, the BCG has provided great assurance.

By holding its members to the standards as laid out in these pledges, the BCG seems intent on protecting those who are most at risk. Their effort in this regard is commendable.