New BGC CEO Grainne Hurst affirmed the organization’s commitment to implementing white paper proposals dedicated to “stability, growth, and diversity” across the UK gambling sector. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

Grainne Hurst takes over as BGC CEO

After serving at Entain, where she was Group Corporate Affairs Director, Grainne Hurst has taken position as the new Betting and Gaming Council CEO. In her first comments as BGC CEO, Hurst affirmed the organization’s commitment to implementing white paper proposals dedicated to “stability, growth, and diversity” across the UK gambling sector.

Hurst took the position amidst a restructuring of the BGC senior leadership in which former CEO Michael Dugher was appointed Chair. Hurst took over as CEO once Brigid Simmonds stepped down in April 2024.

this is a crucial time for the BGC’s diverse and growing membership”

Hurst said: “I’m absolutely delighted to get started as CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council, the industry champion for so many iconic brands at home in the UK and around the world. This is a crucial time for the BGC’s diverse and growing membership, which supports 110,000 jobs and caters to millions of customers who enjoy a bet each month in the UK. There is a huge amount of work ahead of us, not least delivering and implementing the outstanding proposals outlined in last year’s White Paper, many of which our members called for.”

Hurst leads proposals to improve BGC

Proposals from the White Paper include:

• a statutory levy to address problem gambling and related harms
• an Ombudsman for improved consumer redress
• online financial risk checks carefully targeted on those at risk
• new stake limits for online slots
• a Sports Sponsorship Code
• mission-critical modernization proposals for the land-based casino sector

Hurst stated that BGC’s work needs to achieve “regulatory certainty,” while also affirming the organization’s commitment to underpinning their work through “strong data…guided throughout by the voice of the everyday consumer.”

Hurst expressed gratitude for all her predecessor Dugher had done while he was CEO, saying the organization owed a debt to him for “getting the BGC to where it is today.” She will continue to collaborate with Dugher in his new role as BGC Chair.

In addition, she looks forward to “championing” BGC’s members, who she says “are rightly proud of their vital role in the UK entertainment industry.” According to Hurst, BGC members play a significant role in “supporting the local and national economies through tax and high-value jobs.”

With their function for their customers, communities, and country in mind, Hurst embraces championing “everything our members do.”

Hurst brings substantial experience with her

Adding a comment on Hurst now serving as CEO, Dugher added that he is looking forward to working with her in her new role as CEO. Dugher said: “[Hurst] brings years of experience and knowledge in the regulated industry, together with a bold vision and strategy to refresh and reset the organization going forward.”

she stands in position to lead BGC to new levels of success

With Hurst’s substantial experience in the betting and gaming sector, she stands in position to lead BGC to new levels of success. At Entain, she guided a successful campaign to rebrand the company from GVC. Under her co-leadership as an Entain Foundation board member, Entain rolled out a a global safer gambling strategy called “Changing for the Bettor.”

Hurst’s accomplishments go deeper still. She remains as a board member for the international arm of Global Gaming Member, an organization she helped establish and expand throughout the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. In addition, she served as a special advisor to the UK government.