Michael Dugher steps down as Betting and Gaming Council chair

Michael Dugher is stepping down as Chair of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) after six years with the industry body, according to a statement from the BGC.

The BGC said Dugher, who was its founding chief executive before taking on the role of chair in April 2024, is leaving with immediate effect to become Head of the UK Public Affairs Practice at advisory firm Brunswick Group. The statement added that he will also continue working as a freelance business adviser and will remain a board member and director of Nottingham Forest Football Club.

In its press release, the BGC said Dugher had led the organization since its creation, when it brought together several previously separate trade bodies representing land-based casinos, high-street bookmakers and online betting, gaming and bingo operators.

Some personal news:

I am stepping down as Chair of BGC and moving on to be Head of the UK Public Affairs Practice at Brunswick Group, the leading global advisory firm. I will continue as a freelance business adviser + remain as a Board Member and Director at Nottingham Forest FC https://t.co/HFkHK7BKHK

— Michael Dugher (@MichaelDugher) January 14, 2026

The body also said Dugher oversaw the industry’s engagement with the Government’s review of the Gambling Act and the publication of the Gambling White Paper in 2023, which it described as introducing the biggest set of legislative and regulatory changes to the sector in a generation.

The statement noted that Dugher, a former Labour MP and Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, worked closely with the Gambling Commission and other stakeholders during his time at the BGC. It added that under his leadership the BGC introduced 20 safer-gambling codes, which it said included 100 new standards.

Michael Dugher says BGC ‘did a difficult job’ amid UK gambling review

Commenting on his departure, Dugher said: “I am immensely proud of everything we have achieved at the BGC. Working with outstanding colleagues and members, we brought the industry together, embraced higher standards in safer gambling and championed an industry that employs tens of thousands of talented, hardworking, decent men and women in communities across almost every part of the UK. We also raised millions of pounds for so many good causes, particularly for racing and armed forces charities that have always been close to my heart.”

He added: “In an era when there is sadly so much ignorance and snobbery about betting – not helped, in my view, by the decline in the number of working-class people in Parliament – the BGC did a difficult job in navigating the industry through the previous Government’s gambling review. This resulted in a White Paper that, though not without its challenges, avoided many of the most draconian and disproportionate measures advocated by anti-gambling prohibitionists.”

Dugher continued: “By embracing change and positively engaging with Government and Parliamentarians, we made the case for an evidence-led approach to regulation and legislation that raised standards, protected jobs and growth as much as possible, and delivered historic deregulation and investment for Britain’s world-leading casino sector – all while keeping customers safe in the regulated industry. This approach is increasingly at risk today given the very worrying growth in harmful gambling in the unregulated online black market.”

BGC Chair @MichaelDugher is stepping down after six years of exceptional service to the Betting and Gaming Council and the regulated betting and gaming industry.

Michael was the BGC’s founding Chief Executive for more than four years before becoming Chair in April 2024. He led…

— Betting and Gaming Council (@BetGameCouncil) January 14, 2026

BGC CEO and Flutter pays tribute to Dugher

Grainne Hurst, the BGC’s chief executive, said Dugher’s impact on the organization had been significant. “From the outset, he brought clarity of purpose, a trusted standing with policymakers and regulators, and a steadfast commitment to championing a responsible, well-regulated betting and gaming industry,” she said.

She added: “Under his leadership, the BGC was firmly established as a credible standards body, uniting a diverse membership around stronger consumer protections and a shared determination to do the right thing, often going beyond regulatory requirements.

“He guided the industry through the most significant regulatory reform in a generation, helping to deliver the Gambling White Paper and shape its implementation in a way that balances consumer protection with the realities of a major UK leisure industry enjoyed safely by millions each month. His leadership was also pivotal in securing long-overdue casino modernisation and proportionate regulation.

“On a personal note, it has been a genuine privilege to work alongside Michael. He leaves a proud and lasting legacy at the BGC, having strengthened standards, unified the industry and ensured it is well prepared for the challenges ahead.”

Ian Proctor, chairman of Flutter UK & Ireland, also paid tribute, saying: “Michael worked tirelessly to help establish the BGC as a strong and authoritative body for the regulated industry. During a period of significant policy change, his experience and judgement were invaluable in supporting constructive engagement with Government and the regulator, including through the Gambling Act Review and the delivery of the White Paper.

“I would like to thank Michael for all his hard work and, on behalf of the wider industry, wish him every success in the future.”

Featured image: Betting and Gaming Council press release

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