BGC members set key objectives for CSR progress

The report highlights the key objectives for BGC members in the field of CSR.

These include engaging in activities in the local community, developing programmes to reduce environmental impact, promoting diversity and inclusivity and communicating the social and economic contribution of the sector.

Members are also expected to work with sports and governing bodies to promote safer gambling, and work with gaming and hospitality trade associations to promote areas of common interest.

Over the past two years, BGC members have supported 119,000 jobs as well as generating £4.5bn worth of tax.

Among the CSR highlights mentioned in the report was a £10m donation from the Denise Coates Foundation to University Hospital of Northern Midlands, the Entain Foundation’s £100m pledge towards CSR initiatives, and the £10m spent on the Young People’s Gambling Harm Prevention Programme – funded by BGC members and delivered by charities GamCare and YGAM.

As well as a £5m Flutter project supporting grassroots sports clubs affected by the pandemic, almost £3m was donated to NHS Charities Together and £1.25m to Prostate Cancer UK, Marie Curie, the three Armed Forces charities and Care Radio by BGC members.

BGC CEO Michael Dugher said: “This report highlights the huge contribution the regulated industry is making to the communities in which it operates.

“Across the board, we see examples where members and their employees are making a real difference to the lives of others, through their support for the post-pandemic recovery, their backing for local communities, charities and grassroots sports clubs hit hard by the pandemic, their commitment to inclusion and diversity and their determination to tackle climate change.

“I’m especially proud of the contribution made by so many people who work in our industry. I know that many of them – with the support of their employers – are active in their local communities and our report includes several inspiring examples of industry employees who have gone the extra mile to help others.”