UK Betting and Gaming Council names Kane Purdy as new chair
Kane Purdy replaces Michael Dugher as non-executive chair of the British gambling industry trade body.
UK.- The board of the UK gambling trade body the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has appointed Kane Purdy as its new non-executive chair with immediate effect. He replaces Michael Dugher, who stepped down in January after just under two years in the role.
Purdy is Managing Director at Gamesys Operations Limited, now part of Bally’s Intralot. He has 20 years of experience in the betting and gaming industry. The BGC highlighted his role in promoting industry collaboration, including as Chair of GamProtect, the single customer view initiative designed to enhance player protection and raise standards.
The BGC represents over 90 per cent of the British gambling sector, including betting shops, online betting and gaming, bingo and casinos. The chair position will now be filled on a rotating basis by BGC members, with each term lasting for 12 months.
Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive Officer of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “Kane brings a huge amount of experience, expertise and talent to this role, built over two decades in the industry.
“He is a highly respected leader with a deep understanding of both the opportunities and the responsibilities that come with operating in a regulated environment. He has also demonstrated a strong commitment to collaboration, helping to drive forward initiatives that strengthen standards and protections across the sector.
“I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to champion our members, raise standards and support a well-regulated industry that delivers for customers, the economy and communities across the country.”
Dugher, formerly a Labour MP for Barnsley East, spent six years in leadership roles at the BGC and chaired the organisation during the critical and drawn-out review of the 2005 Gambling Act. However, the challenges for the sector are not over, and Purdy takes up the position at a juncture in which the relationship between the gambling industry and other stakeholders remains tense.
The BGC continues to criticise the rise in remote gaming tax introduced this month, while also fighting the prospect of mandatory financial risk checks for customers.
Purdy said: “I am honoured and delighted to take on the role of Chair of the Betting and Gaming Council. “After 20 years in the industry, I understand the importance of working collectively to meet challenges, raise standards and ensure the regulated sector continues to thrive.
“I look forward to working collaboratively with Grainne and the team, as well as with members from across the industry, to build on the strong progress already made and help shape the future direction of the BGC.”
