A significant shift in the hierarchy of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has culminated with the appointment of Grainne Hurst as the influential body’s new Chief Executive Officer. Hurst joins the BGC from Entain, assuming a pivotal role during a crucial phase of regulatory evolution within the UK’s gambling sector.
This leadership reorganization follows the January announcement that Brigid Simmonds would be vacating her position as chair of the BGC. Michael Dugher, the current CEO, will transition to become chair, succeeding Simmonds, who has been at the helm since the BGC’s inception in 2019 and has been instrumental in steering the representation of Britain’s gambling industry.
Michael Dugher has publicly hailed the appointment as a boon for both the council and its members, stating that Hurst’s “wealth of experience, impressive leadership qualities, formidable campaigning skills and acumen” will be invaluable in taking the BGC to new heights. He emphasized her credentials, acclaiming the comprehensive knowledge and vision for continued change she demonstrated through a demanding external recruitment process.
During her tenure at Entain, Hurst established a notable legacy, having overseen the company’s governmental and public sector relations and playing a central role in the company’s rebranding from GVC Holdings to Entain. Additionally, she has been an active board member of the Entain Foundation, where she crafted and executed their globally recognized safer gambling strategy dubbed ‘Changing for the Bettor.’
Hurst’s governmental insight is reinforced by her time as a special advisor to the UK government. An alumna of King’s College London and Queen Mary University of London, Hurst not only brings a robust academic background to the BGC but also a steadfast commitment to enhancing the representation of women in high-profile roles within the industry. This dedication has materialized through her formation of Global Gaming Women’s international sector, significantly expanding its influence across the UK, Europe, and the Oceania region.
With Brigid Simmonds’ tenure set to conclude on April 20, Dugher is poised to assume the mantle of chair. Hurst’s arrival as CEO is met with a sense of optimism and a clarity of purpose. She expresses gratitude towards Dugher for laying the foundation at the BGC and articulates her intentions to foster a well-regulated industry with a strong consumer protection ethos.
Her outstanding record is reinforced by Ian Proctor, executive chairman of Flutter UK&I, who endorsed Hurst’s appointment. He underlined the critical nature of the BGC’s role in interfacing with government bodies and stakeholders following the release of the pivotal White Paper on gambling regulation.
The UK’s White Paper, unveiled in April 2023, has set a new trajectory for the regulatory framework governing the gambling industry. It broadly received backing from the BGC, particularly regarding casino reform, while simultaneously introducing new measures on affordability checks, sports betting, and the reshaping of land-based casino regulations.
However, the BGC’s relationship with UK government policies is not without its tensions. The council notably criticized the government’s introduction of what they termed a “stealth tax raid” on casinos, anticipating an adverse economic impact on the industry to the tune of £5 million annually. Despite this discord, the BGC and its members are pivotal economic contributors, supporting 110,000 jobs, generating substantial tax revenue, and significantly benefitting the UK economy.
As Grainne Hurst steps into her new role, she carries with her the weight of these financial considerations and the necessity for collaborative approaches to regulatory shifts. Her tenure is set against the backdrop of ongoing debates and transformations within one of the UK’s most dynamic industries.
