BGC publishes DEI principles ahead of International Women’s Day
The new statement sets out four shared principles for the British gambling sector.
UK.- The British gambling sector lobby group the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has published a new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Statement of Principles ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8. It says the move is intended to reaffirm the regulated betting and gaming industry’s commitment to creating fair, respectful and inclusive workplaces.
The statement sets out a shared commitment across the sector to promote dignity and respect, support fair opportunity, champion wellbeing and uphold safe and responsible working practices.
The BGC intends to support delivery of the Principles through its dedicated People’s Forum, which brings together representatives from across the industry to share practical experience and best practice on workplace inclusion. The BGC is also undertaking a survey of members to build a clearer picture of diversity across the regulated sector, helping to identify progress and areas where further support may be required.
Four shared DEI principles for British gambling operators
The DEI Statement of Principles commits BGC members to:
1. Treat all people with dignity and respect: Fostering professional and constructive behaviour across workplaces, retail premises, industry events and online interactions, ensuring environments where everyone feels safe and able to contribute.
2. Commit to fair opportunity and inclusive practice: Supporting transparent recruitment and progression processes based on merit, reducing bias and unnecessary barriers, and recognising a wide range of entry routes into the industry.
3. Support wellbeing: Creating working environments where people feel welcomed and supported, recognising the importance of mental health, flexibility and reasonable adjustments, and taking into account the demands of customer-facing and shift-based roles.
4. Promote safe, lawful and responsible working: Meeting legal responsibilities, encouraging safeguarding and security, and reinforcing the link between inclusive workplaces and responsible operation within a regulated industry.
Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, 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 BGC represents over 90 per cent of the regulated betting and gaming sector in Britain. It said it will continue to work with members of all sizes to raise standards and share best practice across retail, technology, trading, customer service and corporate roles. It intends to monitor progress across the industry and highlight positive milestones as members advance their DEI commitments.
“Today’s Statement recognises that while many operators are already leading practitioners in inclusive workplace policies, others are at an earlier stage in their journey,” it said. “The Principles are designed to provide a clear, proportionate baseline commitment for all members, while supporting continuous progress across the industry.”
