Bookies mark Queen’s Jubilee with charity donation

Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) members including Flutter, Bet365, Entain and William Hill are among those to have signed up to the fundraising initiative ahead of the race on 16 June. The groups will hand over all profits they make from win and each-way bets, after levy and duties are deducted, on the big-field heritage handicap. If they do not make a profit on the race, the operators have agreed to make a donation to the charities.

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, Sue Ryder, Ascot Racecourse Supports Community Fund, The Ivors Academy Trust and Cotswold Riding for the Disabled will all benefit from the Britannia Stakes.

Michael Dugher, chief executive of the BGC, said: “I am absolutely delighted that the BGC’s largest members are once again raising vital funds at the Royal meeting for some of the country’s top charities, especially in this the year of the Queen’s Jubilee.

“Her Majesty’s passion for racing is known across the globe. It’s a sport that has the power to bring people together and Royal Ascot is one of the great highlights of the calendar. Millions of people enjoy a flutter and I’m proud that betting companies will donate their profits from one of Royal Ascot’s top races, the Britannia Stakes, to go towards some great charities. I am once again indebted to everyone at Royal Ascot for their continued support.”

Queen Elizabeth has been to almost every Royal Ascot since first attending in 1945 and has had 23 winners. The Platinum Jubilee, celebrating 70 years since her coronation in June 1952, will be marked by a four day public holiday in the UK this week.

BetVictor, Kindred, Betway, Rank Group, Virgin Bet, Tote, Fitzdares and Bet with Ascot have also signed up to the initiative, which follows the success of last year’s Britannia Stakes fundraising drive when £1.25m was raised for a range of good causes.

Caroline Graham, director of fundraising at Sue Ryder, said: “Sue Ryder is delighted to be chosen to be one of the charities that benefits from the Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee. Her Majesty has been Sue Ryder’s patron since 1993, so it makes it even more special to be one of the charities involved this year.

“The money that is donated will go on to help us provide more care for more people through our palliative, neurological and bereavement support.”