BGC CEO Hurst slams mainstream media ‘lies’ about UK gambling sector
Summary
Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) CEO Grainne Hurst criticises mainstream media coverage of the UK gambling industry, saying it often repeats myths and “quite frankly lies”. Hurst tells iGB the BGC is working to correct misconceptions by using evidence and by listening to customers.
She highlights progress in player protection and responsible gambling since the Gambling Act review and white paper, but says the sector must do more to improve its public reputation. Hurst also raises concerns about how the new mandatory levy might be used, and warns that proposed tax harmonisation — consolidating multiple online gambling taxes into a single rate — could push punters to the black market and dent sports funding.
Hurst, who became BGC CEO in September last year after a senior role at Entain, says countering negative media narratives and fighting damaging tax proposals will be key priorities for the BGC in the months ahead.
Source
Key Points
- • BGC CEO Grainne Hurst accuses mainstream media of repeating myths and ‘lies’ about the gambling sector.
- • The BGC aims to counter anti-gambling rhetoric with evidence and by engaging directly with customers.
- • Industry progress on player protection and responsible gambling has accelerated since the Gambling Act review, but more work is needed to shift public perception.
- • Hurst is wary of the new mandatory levy and concerned funds could be used in ways that harm those facing gambling harms.
- • Proposed tax harmonisation (moving to a single online gambling tax rate) risks increasing the black market, reducing customer offers and cutting support for British sports.
- • Defending against the single-rate tax proposal will be a major challenge for the BGC.
Why should I read this?
Because Hurst’s comments give you a quick snapshot of how the industry is fighting back — and why the next few months matter. If you follow regulation, taxation or sports funding, this explains the BGC’s priorities, its arguments against the single-rate tax, and why media framing is now a central battleground. Short, sharp and relevant — we’ve done the reading for you.