Betting and Gaming Council Launches First Code Handbook to Elevate Industry Standards
Released in celebration of the BGC's fifth anniversary, the handbook compiles existing voluntary commitments by members, covering codes focused on responsible gambling and customer protections.
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has introduced its inaugural Code Handbook, consolidating over 100 measures across 20 voluntary codes that BGC members follow to uphold and enhance standards within the UK betting industry.
Released in celebration of the BGC's fifth anniversary, the handbook compiles existing voluntary commitments by members, covering codes focused on responsible gambling and customer protections. While some measures align with the Gambling Commission's License Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP), most exceed these regulatory requirements.
Key initiatives include the “whistle-to-whistle” ban on TV betting ads during live sports events before 9 pm, which has decreased children's exposure to betting ads, along with a commitment by members to allocate 20% of all TV, radio, and digital advertising to promote safer gambling.
BGC CEO Grainne Hurst commented:
“With 20 Codes covering 100 measures, which all BGC members follow as a condition of membership, this comprehensive document should rightly be seen as the concrete demonstration of our members’ determination to deliver world-class standards. This Code Handbook is also not the final word on this work because the commitment to raising standards does not stop for the BGC, or our members.”
Beyond the existing codes, the BGC is actively collaborating with the government and regulators on new initiatives, aligning with objectives in the recent White Paper on gambling reform. This includes strengthened spending checks for online customers and broadening the Bank Transfer Block project, designed to provide users with more control over their spending.
The BGC also highlighted an increase in engagement with unregulated gambling sites, with around 1.5 million Brits reportedly placing bets on illegal platforms, which do not meet the same safety standards.
This release follows the BGC's recent remarks regarding proposed tax hikes, which it warns could negatively impact the industry's economic contributions.
