BGC Publishes First Code Handbook to Raise Industry Standards

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has published its inaugural Code Handbook, a consolidation of over 100 voluntary measures encompassed under 20 codes that members are expected to follow.

Released on the Council’s 5^th anniversary, the handbook underscores the ongoing efforts to uphold and enhance the UK’s industry standards, including responsible gambling, integrity, and player safety. Some of the outlined measures are required by the License Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP), but most are voluntary commitments made by members that go beyond regulatory requirements.

Exceeding Legal Requirements

The BGC handbook focuses on enhanced customer protection and promotion of responsible gambling across the industry spectrum – from land-based operators, including casinos and resorts, to online gambling dens and high-street bookmakers.

Key initiatives in the Code Handbook include the “whistle-to-whistle” ban on TV betting advertisements during live sports events before 9 p.m. The policy is credited with reducing 97% visibility of such commercials by children during those hours. Also, BGC members have committed to allocating 20% of their TV, radio, and digital ads to promote responsible gambling messages.

Separating the Regulated Sector and Black Market

Founded in 2019, the BGC represents over 90% of the UK’s regulated gaming sector. It provides about 109,000 jobs and contributes approximately £4 billion in tax revenue. In its tenure, the Council’s initiatives have positively impacted the industry’s gambling practices, as reflected by the low rate of problem gambling reported by the NHS Health Survey.

The new Code Handbook adds to these standards, exclusive to the regulated sector and contrasting with the risks of unregulated black-market gambling. A recent BGC study revealed that 1.5 million Brits spend up to £4.3 billion on illegal gambling.

New Ambitions in the Works

On top of the measures covered in the comprehensive Code Handbook, the BGC is working with the UK government and regulators to implement initiatives outlined in the recent White Paper. The reforms intend to improve reality checks and Bank Transfer blocks to encourage wise consumer spending.

Grainne Hurst, CEO of BGC, expressed her joy on the release of the handbook and hammered down the Council’s commitment to gambling safety: “With 20 Codes covering 100 measures, which all BGC members follow as a condition of membership, this comprehensive document should rightly be seen as the concrete demonstration to our members’ determination to deliver world-class standards. This Code Handbook is also not the final word on this work because the commitment to raising standards does not stop for the BGC, or our members.”