BGC sets out DEI framework for UK regulated betting and gaming

The Betting and Gaming Council has announced a new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement of Principles for the regulated betting and gaming sector in the United Kingdom. The initiative was introduced ahead of International Women’s Day, which is observed annually on 8 March. The statement outlines a shared commitment across the industry to encourage fair, respectful and inclusive workplaces.

According to the Council, the principles are designed to provide a common framework for companies operating within the regulated market. The initiative aims to promote dignity, equal opportunity, wellbeing and responsible working practices throughout the sector. It also seeks to support organisations at different stages of developing their diversity and inclusion strategies.

The announcement highlights a broader effort within the regulated gambling industry to strengthen workplace culture and align corporate practices with evolving social expectations. By establishing a shared set of principles, the organisation aims to encourage consistent standards while allowing individual operators flexibility in how they implement them.

A sector-wide initiative aligned with International Women’s Day

The release of the statement ahead of International Women’s Day reflects the Council’s intention to connect the initiative with a global moment focused on equality and representation. The day has become a widely recognised opportunity for organisations across multiple sectors to assess progress toward gender equality and workplace inclusion.

Within the betting and gaming industry, thousands of individuals work in a variety of roles ranging from betting shop staff and operational teams to technology specialists and corporate professionals. The Council noted that creating supportive working environments for such a diverse workforce requires clear expectations and shared values.

The statement is intended to serve as a baseline for member organisations across the sector. Some companies have already introduced comprehensive diversity programmes and internal policies, while others are still developing their strategies. By outlining common principles, the Council aims to encourage steady progress across the industry without imposing a single uniform model.

Scope of the regulated betting and gaming workforce

The regulated betting and gaming sector in the United Kingdom employs a significant number of people in a wide range of positions. Employees work in betting shops, digital platforms, customer service centres, corporate offices and technology hubs.

The Council represents more than 90 percent of the regulated sector. Its membership includes operators involved in sports betting, online gaming, casinos and other licensed activities. Because of this broad representation, the organisation is in a position to promote industry wide initiatives and encourage collaboration between companies.

Workplace diversity within the sector reflects the varied nature of its operations. Roles involve customer service, compliance, marketing, technology development, finance and management. The new principles therefore aim to apply across many different professional environments while maintaining a consistent emphasis on fairness and respect.

Statement from Grainne Hurst on workplace inclusion

Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, commented on the significance of the announcement and its connection to International Women’s Day. She said:

“International Women’s Day is an important moment to reflect on how we can build a more diverse, equitable and inclusive regulated betting and gaming industry. Our sector employs hundreds of thousands of people across shops, offices, technology hubs and customer-facing roles. We have a responsibility to ensure those workplaces are fair, respectful and safe for everyone. At the BGC we have strengthened our own policies, including enhanced parental leave, a menopause strategy and expanded mental health and wellbeing support, because we believe leadership means setting the standard. Many of our members are already demonstrating leadership in this space and through this Statement of Principles we are setting a clear baseline for the whole industry. By working collaboratively, sharing best practice and holding ourselves to high standards, we can strengthen trust in our sector and create environments where talented people from all backgrounds can thrive.”

The statement emphasises that leadership plays an important role in shaping organisational culture. By setting expectations at the senior level, the Council hopes to encourage companies to integrate diversity and inclusion considerations into everyday business practices.

Four core principles guiding the initiative

The newly published framework outlines four central principles intended to guide organisations within the regulated betting and gaming sector. These principles provide a structure that companies can use when reviewing internal policies or designing new workplace initiatives.

Treating all people with dignity and respect

The first principle highlights the importance of ensuring that every employee is treated with dignity and respect in the workplace. This includes maintaining professional conduct, encouraging respectful communication and fostering an environment where individuals feel valued.

The Council notes that respectful workplaces contribute to employee satisfaction and organisational stability. By promoting positive interactions between colleagues, companies can support productive working environments and reduce potential workplace conflict.

Commitment to fair opportunity and inclusive practice

The second principle focuses on ensuring equal opportunity within recruitment and career progression. Organisations are encouraged to maintain transparent hiring processes and promote merit based decision making.

Inclusive recruitment practices may include widening candidate outreach, reducing barriers that could limit access to employment and ensuring that internal promotion pathways are clear and equitable. The aim is to allow individuals from different backgrounds to pursue career opportunities within the sector.

Supporting employee wellbeing

Employee wellbeing forms the third principle of the framework. The statement recognises that workplace health extends beyond physical safety and includes mental health support, flexibility and reasonable adjustments where appropriate.

Companies may consider measures such as wellbeing programmes, mental health resources and flexible working arrangements where operationally feasible. The Council notes that supporting staff wellbeing contributes to long term workforce stability and productivity.

Promoting safe, lawful and responsible working practices

The fourth principle emphasises the importance of maintaining safe and responsible workplaces that comply with legal and regulatory requirements. The regulated gambling sector operates under strict oversight and responsible practice is a key component of its operations.

By linking workplace culture with regulatory compliance, the Council aims to reinforce the idea that responsible business conduct includes both customer protection and fair treatment of employees.

Role of the People’s Forum in implementation

To support the delivery of these principles, the Betting and Gaming Council plans to use its People’s Forum, a collaborative platform that brings together representatives from member organisations.

The forum provides an opportunity for companies to exchange ideas, share successful initiatives and discuss practical challenges related to diversity and inclusion. Through ongoing dialogue, the Council hopes to identify strategies that have proven effective in different workplace settings.

Collaboration across the industry may help organisations adapt successful approaches from one company to another while respecting operational differences between businesses.

Industry survey to assess diversity progress

Alongside the statement of principles, the Council intends to conduct a membership survey designed to gather data about diversity levels across the sector. The information collected will provide a clearer picture of workforce demographics and help identify areas where additional support or guidance may be beneficial.

Such surveys can assist organisations in measuring progress over time. They also allow industry bodies to understand which initiatives are producing positive outcomes and where further efforts may be required.

The Council indicated that insights from the survey will be used to inform future initiatives and to encourage continuous improvement among member companies.

Evolving expectations around workplace inclusion

Across many industries, workplace diversity and inclusion have become central topics in corporate governance discussions. Organisations are increasingly expected to demonstrate clear policies addressing fairness, equal opportunity and employee wellbeing.

The betting and gaming sector is no exception. As a regulated industry operating in a public facing environment, companies often seek to maintain high standards of corporate responsibility. Initiatives that promote inclusive workplaces can contribute to stronger organisational culture and improved reputation.

While many operators have already introduced internal programmes, the Council’s new statement aims to encourage consistent expectations across the wider sector.

Conclusion

The introduction of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Principles by the Betting and Gaming Council represents a structured step toward strengthening workplace culture within the United Kingdom’s regulated betting and gaming sector. By outlining shared principles that emphasise dignity, fairness, wellbeing and responsible practice, the organisation seeks to provide a clear foundation for member companies.

The initiative recognises that organisations are at different stages in developing diversity strategies. Some companies have already implemented extensive programmes, while others are still refining their policies. Establishing a common framework allows the sector to move forward collectively while maintaining flexibility for individual approaches.

Through leadership engagement, industry collaboration and ongoing data collection, the Council aims to support meaningful progress across the workforce. The involvement of platforms such as the People’s Forum and planned membership surveys indicates a long term commitment to monitoring developments and sharing best practice.

Ultimately the principles are intended to encourage environments where employees across the sector can contribute their skills and perspectives in workplaces that prioritise fairness, respect and opportunity. As discussions around diversity and inclusion continue to evolve globally, the initiative highlights how industry bodies can play a role in shaping responsible employment standards within regulated markets.

FAQs

What is the Diversity Equity and Inclusion statement introduced by the Betting and Gaming Council?
The statement outlines principles aimed at encouraging fair, respectful and inclusive workplaces across the regulated betting and gaming sector.

Why was the DEI statement announced around International Women’s Day?
The announcement was timed to align with International Women’s Day which highlights equality and inclusion in workplaces around the world.

How many principles are included in the new framework?
The statement defines four key principles that address dignity and respect, fair opportunity, employee wellbeing and responsible workplace practices.

Who does the initiative apply to within the industry?
The principles apply to members of the Betting and Gaming Council including operators and businesses working within the regulated betting and gaming sector.

What role does leadership play in the initiative?
Senior leadership is expected to set expectations and encourage organisations to adopt inclusive practices throughout their workplaces.

What is the People’s Forum mentioned in the initiative?
The People’s Forum is a platform that brings together representatives from member organisations to share best practices and discuss workforce related topics.

How will the Council measure progress on diversity?
The organisation plans to conduct surveys among its members to gather data on diversity and workforce representation.

Does the statement require identical policies from all companies?
No. The principles provide a baseline framework while allowing individual companies flexibility in how they implement policies.

Why is employee wellbeing included in the principles?
Wellbeing is considered an important part of workplace culture and includes mental health support, flexibility and supportive working conditions.

What is the broader goal of the initiative?
The overall objective is to encourage workplaces across the regulated betting and gaming sector that promote fairness, opportunity and responsible practices.