Although experiencing a setback at the Royal Ascot, oddsmakers are still contributing a significant sum to charitable organizations throughout the United Kingdom.
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), representing prominent entities such as Flutter, bet355, and Entain, are collectively donating a substantial £277,000 (approximately $352,000). This contribution will be distributed among six different UK-based charities. This gesture echoes a similar act of philanthropy from the previous year when they committed all earnings from the Royal Ascot Britannia Stakes race.
Despite the bookmakers facing a loss in the previous year’s race, they ensured the charities remained unaffected, ultimately accumulating £120,000 for the designated causes.
Michael Dugher, the BGC’s Chief Executive, remarked: “It is exceptional news that BGC members are once more capable of making such a sizable donation to a variety of truly deserving organizations.”
He further stated: “I am certain that the funds we generate will provide a genuine boost to the outstanding work carried out by all the charities that will benefit.”
Dugher conveyed his pride in the BGC members, stating: “I am incredibly proud that BGC members have now amassed nearly £6 million for charities across the nation.”
This signifies the fourth consecutive year that BGC members have contributed the proceeds from the Britannia Stakes race.
Tim Lawler MBE, Chief Executive of SportsAid, one of the recipient charities, expressed: “We are incredibly appreciative of this generous contribution.”
Lawler added: “We are immensely honored to be a beneficiary of this remarkable initiative, which has become an established and cherished element of the iconic British sporting spectacle that is Royal Ascot.”
This wasnt the sole instance where a charitable drive failed to meet projections. Previously in 2023, William Hill committed to contributing all its earnings from the Eurovision song contest to a “stand with Ukraine” relief group. When Loreen, the oddsmakers’ top choice, secured victory for Sweden, they ultimately disbursed £200,000. Data, however, reveals that wagers on the competition were actually elevated by 23% compared to the prior year.