The Betting and Gaming Council says it looks forward to working with the new Minister on evidence-led regulation
The Betting and Gaming Council has welcomed the appointment of Vicky Foxcroft MP as the new Minister responsible for gambling, setting out its priorities for future engagement on regulation, taxation and the illegal market.
Foxcroft was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 22 July 2026.
The BGC said it looked forward to working constructively with the new Minister, noting her previous support for a balanced, evidence-led regulatory approach that protects vulnerable people, including children and young people, while allowing adults who choose to gamble to do so safely.
The trade body also highlighted her support for regulation that is properly targeted and fit for purpose.
The appointment comes after a period of significant regulatory change for Britain’s betting and gaming sector following implementation of measures linked to the Gambling White Paper.
For the BGC, the immediate policy agenda includes the cumulative impact of regulation, recent tax increases, investment conditions, sector competitiveness and the continued growth of illegal gambling.
Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council
“I would like to congratulate Vicky Foxcroft MP on her appointment as Minister responsible for gambling. We look forward to working with her to champion Britain’s casinos, betting shops and online betting, gaming and bingo businesses – an industry that brings enjoyment to millions of people, sustains 109,000 jobs, contributes billions of pounds to the economy and provides vital funding for some of Britain’s best-loved sports.
“Following the extensive changes introduced through the Gambling White Paper, it is vital that future policy is evidence-led, proportionate and fully considers the cumulative impact of regulation and recent tax increases on jobs, investment and the competitiveness of the regulated sector. We also look forward to working with the new Minister to tackle the rapidly growing illegal gambling black market, which puts consumers at risk and contributes nothing to the economy or British sport.”
The BGC’s response places economic contribution and consumer protection within the same policy frame.
Its members operate across casinos, betting shops, online betting, gaming and bingo. The organisation says the regulated sector supports 109,000 jobs, contributes £6.8bn in gross value added to the British economy and generates £4bn in tax each year.
BGC members also provide funding for British sport, including horse racing, football, darts, snooker and rugby league.
The trade body said it will work with Foxcroft to support a regulatory environment that protects consumers, sustains jobs and investment, and addresses illegal gambling operators.
That illegal market issue has become a central industry argument during recent debates on regulation and taxation.
Licensed operators have warned that tighter rules and higher costs can strengthen unlicensed competitors if policy does not maintain a viable regulated market.
The BGC also paid tribute to outgoing Gambling Minister Baroness Fiona Twycross, thanking her for what it described as constructive engagement with the regulated sector.
During her tenure, Twycross visited BGC members in Stoke-on-Trent, Leeds, Liverpool and London, meeting staff and reviewing the sector’s contribution to jobs, tourism, local economies and leisure, as well as safer gambling measures.
She also attended the BGC AGM, where she recognised the sector’s employment, tax and leisure contribution.
Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council
“I would also like to offer my sincere thanks to Baroness Fiona Twycross for the thoughtful, open and constructive way she engaged with our industry throughout her time as Minister responsible for gambling. She made a genuine effort to understand our members, taking the time to meet staff and visit venues across the country to see first-hand the industry’s important contribution to jobs, investment, local economies and British sport, as well as the enjoyment it brings to millions of people.
“She also recognised our members’ commitment to protecting vulnerable people. We have greatly valued her engagement and wish her every success for the future.”
The change in Minister gives the sector another point of engagement with DCMS as the post-White Paper regulatory environment continues to take shape.
Operators will be looking for clarity on future policy sequencing, enforcement priorities and the balance between consumer protection, fiscal policy and regulated-market sustainability.
For the BGC, the message is direct. It wants a working relationship with the new Minister based on evidence, proportionality and recognition of the licensed sector’s economic and social role.
The next stage will test how far that approach influences policy in a market already adjusting to new controls, higher costs and stronger enforcement expectations.
