Britain’s Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has confirmed the departure of chair and former CEO Michael Dugher after six years with the industry standards body.

Dugher served as BGC’s founding CEO for more than four years before becoming chair in April 2024, and has stepped down with immediate effect to take up a new role at global advisory firm Brunswick Group as head of its UK Public Affairs Practice. 

A former Labour MP and Shadow Secretary of State for DCMS, he led the BGC from its inception as the new standards body for the regulated industry, bringing together previously separate industry bodies representing land-based casinos, high street bookmakers and online betting, gaming and bingo. 

Dugher helped steer the industry through the UK Government’s Gambling Act Review and the publication of the Gambling White Paper in 2023, which introduced the most extensive legislative and regulatory changes in a generation.

“I am immensely proud of everything we have achieved at the BGC,” said Dugher. “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. We also raised millions of pounds for so many good causes, particularly for racing and armed forces charities that have always been close to my heart.”

Under his leadership, the BGC introduced and adopted 20 new safer gambling codes containing 100 new standards. A lifelong fan of horseracing, he also launched a number of charity initiatives, including the Britannia Stakes charity race at Royal Ascot and the Grand National Charity Bet, which, with thanks to BGC members, has raised more than £6.5 million for a wide range of good causes.

“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,” continued Dugher. “This resulted in a White Paper that, though not without its challenges, avoided many of the most draconian and disproportionate measures advocated by anti-gambling prohibitionists.

“By embracing change and positively engaging with Government and Parliamentarians, we made the case for an evidence-led approach to regulation and legislation that raised standards, protected jobs and growth as much as possible, and delivered historic deregulation and investment for Britain’s world-leading casino sector – all while keeping customers safe in the regulated industry. This approach is increasingly at risk today given the very worrying growth in harmful gambling in the unregulated online black market.”

Dugher’s successor as CEO, Grainne Hurst, said that his contribution to the standards body 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,” said Hurst. “Under his leadership, the BGC was firmly established as a credible standards body, uniting a diverse membership around stronger consumer protections and a shared determination to do the right thing, often going beyond regulatory requirements.

“He guided the industry through the most significant regulatory reform in a generation, helping to deliver the Gambling White Paper and shape its implementation in a way that balances consumer protection with the realities of a major UK leisure industry enjoyed safely by millions each month. His leadership was also pivotal in securing long-overdue casino modernisation and proportionate regulation.

“On a personal note, it has been a genuine privilege to work alongside Michael. 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.”

Flutter UK & Ireland chairman Ian Proctor 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.

“I would like to thank Michael for all his hard work and, on behalf of the wider industry, wish him every success in the future.”