British MPs Have a Free Flutter for Charity

Despite being legal in the United Kingdom, the online gambling industry often finds itself at the centre of political conflict. This conflict is due to parliamentarians who use it to gain attention for themselves.

On the other hand, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) champions the local gaming sector. The organisation seeks not only to protect the status quo but instead challenges it to raise the bar in terms of entertainment, fair play, and consumer safety.

Thinking Outside of the Box

In an effort to demystify what online gambling entails and encourage local MPs to experience the industry for themselves, the BGC offered them a free £50 bet in the world’s most famous steeplechase, the Grand National.

Michael Dugher, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, said:

"Too often, anything to do with gambling gets dominated by a tiny minority of parliamentarians who represent a minority view - a handful of obsessed anti-gambling prohibitionist MPs who like to ban stuff. I hope that the Government will reflect on the fact that so many MPs engage with the BGC, support the industry, recognise the economic contribution it makes, and frankly the perfectly safe enjoyment it brings to millions of people."

The Charity Bet campaign not only offered more than 40 MPs from both sides of the House the chance to place a free wager, including the Minister for Technology, Gambling and Digital Economy Alex Davies-Jones, Cabinet Minister and COP26 President Alok Sharma and DWP Minister and former jockey Guy Opperman.

While these MPs would be the ones gambling, the eventual winner would be British charities, as each MP nominated a charity that would be the recipient of any winnings from their bet. Even losing bets would be a boon to the charity as they would receive a £100 donation just for being nominated.

Charities Win Big in the End

As expected in a post-pandemic world, the Grand National was a huge success, with more than 600 million viewers worldwide and more than 13 million punters, including 40 MPs, placing bets.

Dugher spoke about the event, saying:

“It was great to see MPs from across the political divide visiting bookies across the country, all in aid of good causes. This past weekend was a showcase for horse racing and betting; we want the Government to recognise the popularity of betting, its unique place in our national culture."

While the MPs were allowed to take their free bet and visit a local bookmaker, they were also encouraged to visit many legal online gambling sites. This action would enable the MPs to gain first-hand knowledge of how online gambling works and the various checks and balances licensed operators put in place to protect local punters.

According to the latest statistics, these protective measures have seen problem gambling rates in the UK drop from 0.6% to a mere 0.3%. In real terms, this means that 170,000 British gamblers have received the help they need to overcome their challenges with gambling.

To show their support for the BGC initiative and to thank the MPs for their support, the participating online casino and betting sites increased the donation on losing wagers from £100 to £250.