The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has announced that Michael Dugher will step down as Chair of the industry trade and standards body for UK gambling.

The decision sees Dugher end his six-year tenure leading UK gambling’s political interests and affairs during a period of regulatory transitions for all industry stakeholders.

The former Labour MP for Barnsley East, Dugher resigned as Chair of the UK Music Council back in 2020 to take leadership of the newly formed BGC.  

The trade body was formed by the merger of the Remote Gaming Association and the Association of British Bookmakers (ABB) – undertaken as a decision to unify UK gambling ahead of forthcoming generational judgements of the UK Gambling Act review.

As CEO: representing a misunderstood sector

Chief Executive at its inception, Dugher was tasked with representing a multi-billion-pound tax-generating  and home-grown sector at a time when gambling had become increasingly politically sensitive.

His early mandate focused on restoring trust in licensed operators, strengthening consumer protections and positioning the regulated industry as a credible stakeholder in policy debate.

During his tenure as CEO, Dugher spearheaded initiatives to raise standards across the sector, including the introduction of new codes of conduct on advertising and enhanced customer safety checks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dugher commented: “I am immensely proud of everything we have achieved at the BGC. 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.”

In 2024, the BGC undertook a reform of leadership ranks that saw Dugher transition to the role of Chair, replacing Baroness Brigid Simmonds, while Entain executive Grainne Hurst was elected as CEO. 

Reflecting on the transition, Dugher said the change marked “a new phase” for the organisation, adding that he was “honoured to take on the role of Chair at the same time as Grainne Hurst was appointed Chief Executive,” describing the move as a reflection of the BGC’s growing maturity and its focus on strong governance and continuity.

As Chair: transparency and evidence 

As Chair, Dugher prioritised improving coordination with the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and strengthening transparency across the governance of UK gambling.

One of his key objectives was to improve trust between the regulated industry, the regulator and government, working towards “a more open, evidence-led relationship grounded in openness and a shared objective of raising standards while keeping customers safe in the regulated market”.

Dugher has repeatedly argued that credibility and constructive engagement are essential to ensuring effective regulation and preventing consumers from being pushed towards the unregulated online black market.

Announcing his departure, Dugher said he was “immensely proud” of what the BGC had achieved, citing the unification of the industry, higher safer gambling standards and successful navigation of the Gambling Act Review. 

He added that while the Gambling White Paper presented challenges, it avoided “many of the most draconian and disproportionate measures advocated by anti-gambling prohibitionists,” while delivering long-overdue modernisation for the UK’s casino sector.

Looking Forward

BGC Chief Executive Grainne Hurst paid tribute to Dugher’s contribution, describing his leadership as “exceptional” and crediting him with establishing the BGC as a credible and authoritative standards body.

She said Dugher brought “clarity of purpose, trusted standing with policymakers and regulators, and a steadfast commitment to championing a responsible, well-regulated betting and gaming industry”.

“Michael 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.”

Dugher will step down with immediate effect to take up a new role at global advisory firm Brunswick Group as Head of its UK Public Affairs Practice. He will also continue to work as a freelance business adviser and remain a board member and Director at Nottingham Forest FC.

Signing-off as Chair, Dugher stated: “I would like to thank all the BGC members and staff who supported me over the years, especially the BGC’s superb Chief Executive, Grainne Hurst. 

“I would also like to pay tribute to the many ministers, shadow ministers and officials at DCMS whom I was privileged to work with. I wish the industry, and the sports that rely on its funding, not least British horseracing, all the very best for the future.”