In a significant move towards enhancing gambling safety and standards across the UK, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has released its first comprehensive Code Handbook. This document is a culmination of five years of dedicated efforts aimed at bolstering the framework within which betting and gaming operators function. It encompasses 20 distinct codes and outlines 100 mandatory measures that BGC members adhere to, reflecting an ongoing commitment to responsible gambling.
A Landmark Publication
The launch of the Code Handbook coincides with the BGC’s fifth anniversary, marking a pivotal moment for the organization. Since its inception, the BGC has served as the industry’s recognized standards body, dedicated to promoting best practices among operators. The new handbook serves to aggregate all voluntary commitments that operators must uphold to maintain their membership status. Among these commitments is the BGC’s overarching Code of Conduct, which establishes essential guidelines for responsible gaming.
Beyond Regulatory Requirements
Notably, three of the codes included in the handbook have transitioned into mandatory License Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP) for members. This shift not only reinforces regulatory compliance but also highlights the BGC’s ambition to exceed baseline legal standards set by the Gambling Commission. The bulk of the measures outlined in the handbook extend well beyond these minimum requirements, showcasing the BGC’s commitment to fostering a safer gambling environment.
Collaborating for Higher Standards
The BGC is not stopping at the publication of the Code Handbook. The organization is actively collaborating with government agencies and the Gambling Commission on over 50 additional workstreams aimed at advancing sector standards. These initiatives include implementing enhanced online spending checks that are frictionless for users, establishing an industry Ombudsman to facilitate customer grievances, and broadening the scope of the Bank Transfer Block project, which empowers customers to manage their gambling expenditures more effectively.
Quotes from Leadership
Grainne Hurst, CEO of the BGC, expressed her enthusiasm for the newly published Code Handbook, stating, “I am delighted to announce this new Code Handbook, which comprises over five years of determined work to raise standards across the board.” She emphasized the importance of this handbook as a reflection of the industry’s unified push towards safer gambling practices in the UK.
Hurst further elaborated, “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 of our member’s determination to deliver world-class standards.”
Moreover, she noted that this Code Handbook is not the endpoint; rather, it signifies ongoing efforts to elevate industry standards. “That’s why we are working with the regulator and government on over 50 additional workstreams which will raise standards even further as part of the White Paper reforms,” Hurst added.
Conclusion: A Commitment to Continuous Improvement
The introduction of the BGC’s Code Handbook marks a significant milestone in the betting and gaming sector, offering a well-defined framework for improving gambling safety and responsible practices. With its robust structure and a forward-thinking approach, the handbook is positioned not just as a guideline for compliance but as a pledge from the industry to prioritize the welfare of consumers.
As the BGC continues its collaboration with regulatory bodies and strives to implement further reforms, it remains clear that the journey towards best practices in gambling is far from over. The Code Handbook serves as both a foundation and a launchpad for ongoing advancements within the industry, steering it towards a future characterized by transparency, accountability, and a steadfast commitment to high standards.
