The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) is looking for a new Chair after Michael Dugher stepped down from the industry standards body to pursue other ventures.
Dugher’s exit comes at a critical point for the industry, which faces mounting budget-driven tax pressure, unresolved regulatory reforms stemming from the Gambling White Paper, and an emerging leadership vacuum at the body tasked with representing the sector in Westminster.
Dugher takes pride in achievements
Announcing the news, Dugher revealed he was pleased with how the BGC battled against political forces to safeguard the sector during a challenging period for British betting interests.
He said in a statement: “Working with outstanding colleagues and members, we brought the industry together, embraced higher standards in safer gambling and championed an industry that employs tens of thousands of talented, hardworking, decent men and women in communities across almost every part of the UK.
“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.
“I wish the industry, and the sports that rely on its funding, not least British horseracing, all the very best for the future.”
BGC pays tribute to Dugher’s “leadership”
In a press release, current CEO of the BGC, Grainne Hurst, said: “Michael’s contribution to the BGC over the past six years has been exceptional. From the outset, he brought clarity of purpose, a trusted standing with policymakers and regulators, and a steadfast commitment to championing a responsible, well-regulated betting and gaming industry.
“He leaves a proud and lasting legacy at the BGC, having strengthened standards, unified the industry and ensured it is well prepared for the challenges ahead.”
There was praise, too, from Flutter UK & Ireland chairman Ian Proctor, who added: “Michael worked tirelessly to help establish the BGC as a strong and authoritative body for the regulated industry. During a period of significant policy change, his experience and judgement were invaluable in supporting constructive engagement with Government and the regulator, including through the Gambling Act Review and the delivery of the White Paper.”
Dugher steered industry through Gambling White Paper
A former Labour MP and Shadow Secretary of State of Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), Dugher’s most notable contribution was leading the industry through the Gambling White Paper, a major policy document setting out the UK government’s proposed reforms to gambling law and regulation, particularly to modernise the framework for the digital age and to update the Gambling Act 2005.
Critics of the policy argued it risked over-regulation, warning proposed affordability checks, marketing curbs, and stake limits could drive players to the black market, undermine licensed operators, and threaten jobs on the high street. Others said it blurred evidence-based harm prevention with political caution.
Not all observers accepted the industry’s framing during the White Paper debate. Writing in The Guardian, Liberal Democrat peer Lord Foster of Bath accused the BGC of being “not fully accurate” in its public claims about the scale of the gambling black market, arguing the threat had been overstated to resist tighter regulation.
He faced some other tough moments in the role. In August 2023, he referred to Samaritans guidance noting that “suicide is complex” during evidence to the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee on gambling, comments that were strongly condemned by Julie Bentley, the chief executive of the charity.
However, it is widely accepted that as BGC chair, Dugher helped position the industry as a partner in reform, backing tougher protections where evidence was clear, while lobbying ministers to moderate proposals, protect land-based betting, and preserve a viable, regulated market.
All eyes turn to the succession plan
The BGC is yet to confirm plans for a successor, though some industry observers are pontificating on Hurst, who had a close relationship with Dugher as the chair. The former Entain executive has been consistently visible in industry debates and was one of the primary voices against high tax proposals.
She said in response to damaging fiscal policy for the industry at the time: “Massive tax increases for online betting and gaming announced in the Budget make them among the highest in the world, and are a devastating hammer blow to tens of thousands of people working in the industry across the UK, and millions of customers who enjoy a bet.
“The Government’s Budget is a massive win for the incredibly harmful, unsafe, unregulated gambling black market, which pays no tax and offers none of the protections that exist in the regulated sector.”
Whoever gets the role will be in for a tough climate. For the BGC, the challenge now is to maintain its influence in Westminster while presenting a unified front at a time when the direction of UK gambling policy remains finely contested.
