UK BGC welcomes new CEO Grainne Hurst

Garance Limouzy September 9, 2024

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has (pictured above) as its new Chief Executive Officer. She comes with a decade-long track record at Entain, where she held several senior positions, including Group Corporate Affairs Director and played a pivotal role in steering the company’s public and government relations. Her appointment to the BGC was first announced in April as part of a leadership restructure, with former CEO Michael Dugher transitioning to the role of Chair.

White Paper

Upon taking up the reins, Hurst expressed her excitement about the challenges ahead, particularly the task of delivering key reforms outlined in the government’s White Paper. “I’m absolutely delighted to get started as CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council,” she declared, describing the BGC as “the industry champion for so many iconic brands, at home in the UK and around the world.” She explained that it is a “crucial time” for the BGC’s membership, which spans across 110,000 jobs and serves millions of customers in the UK.

One of Hurst’s main focuses will be implementing the reforms laid out in the White Paper. “There is a huge amount of work ahead of us,” she said, pointing to initiatives such as introducing a statutory levy to address problem gambling, creating an Ombudsman for improved consumer redress, and ensuring financial risk checks for online users.

Stability, growth, and diversity

While regulation remains a top priority, Hurst also talked about the importance of stability, growth, and diversity in the industry. “That work must be underpinned by strong data and guided throughout by the voice of the everyday consumer,” she noted, adding that diversity is key to the industry’s future. Hurst has been an active advocate for promoting women in the gaming sector, particularly through her work with Global Gaming Women, where she serves on the board and oversees its expansion into regions like the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

Safer gambling

Michael Dugher, the BGC’s new Chair, also praised Hurst’s appointment, saying, “She brings years of experience and knowledge in the regulated industry, together with a bold vision and strategy to refresh and reset the organisation going forward.” He expressed his confidence in her ability to lead the BGC in raising standards for safer gambling and representing workers and customers alike. Throughout her career, Hurst has consistently demonstrated a commitment to safer gambling practices. At Entain, she was instrumental in launching the company’s global safer gambling strategy, “Changing for the Bettor,” which received widespread recognition. The BGC, representing over 90 percent of the regulated betting and gaming industry in the UK, plays a vital role in the country’s economy, contributing £7.1 billion in gross value added and generating £4.2 billion in tax revenue.

Hurst’s leadership marks a new chapter for the BGC, one that promises to focus on responsibility and innovation. “Millions of us enjoy a bet… and I look forward to championing everything our members do, for their customers, communities, and the country,” she concluded, setting the tone for her tenure ahead.