UK responsible gambling body The Senet Group has agreed to hand over its assets and responsibilities to gambling industry association the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC).

Senet was established in September 2014 by bookmakers William Hill, Ladbrokes, Coral and Paddy Power to help raise and maintain safer gambling standards. Other members now include Scotbet and Sky Betting & Gaming.

The body manages the MOSES retail self-exclusion scheme and the ‘When the Fun Stops Stop’ player messaging campaign.

Last April, Senet began a cross-industry collaboration project to develop a programme of industry reform, reflecting continued concern about the impact of gambling on vulnerable people. The resulting package of Safer Gambling Commitments was announced by the BGC in November with the endorsement of all BGC members.

As part of their commitment to safer gambling, BGC members have already introduced a ‘whistle to whistle’ ban on advertising during live sport; substantially increased funding for research, education and treatment; implemented new ID and age-verification checks; and will soon implement a ban on betting with credit cards.

“The collaborative ethos at the heart of the new Betting and Gaming Council now offers the opportunity to combine resources to deliver safer gambling initiatives at scale,” said Senet chairman Gillian Wilmot. “It is vital that the industry is at the core of solutions to protect its customers.

“Senet’s role in bringing the industry together and leading initiatives to protect its customers and secure its own sustainable future has added significant value.”

Following the transfer of Senet’s responsibilities to the BGC, MOSES will continue as an independent organisation.

“The cross-industry collaborative approach pioneered by Senet became a blueprint which made the creation of the new Betting and Gaming Council possible,” said BGC chairman Brigid Simmonds.

“I would like to thank the Senet board, headed by Gillian Wilmot, and the team led by Sarah Hanratty for their hard work, dedication and the legacy they leave through the Safer Gambling Commitments, which provide a roadmap for raising standards across our industry. We look forward to building on that work.”