Betting and Gaming Council congratulates John Whittingdale on his new ministerial responsibility for gambling

Standards body the Betting and Gaming Council has congratulated John Whittingdale after he was given ministerial responsibility for gambling and lotteries.

The DCMS minister has taken over the role from Nigel Huddleston, who had been leading on the Government’s Gambling Review launched last December.

Mr Whittingdale, the MP for Maldon, has previously been Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, as well as Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee.

He takes over the gambling and lotteries brief as the Government’s call for evidence on the Gambling Review continues.

Michael Dugher, chief executive of the BGC, said:

“I’d like to welcome John Whittingdale to his expanded role and enhanced responsibilities at DCMS. I know John well from my time in Parliament and in the music industry. John commands huge respect and he is a formidable politician who brings a wealth of experience and knowledge. The BGC represents the bulk of the regulated sector - from high street betting shops, casinos, online gaming and bingo - and we look forward to working with him.

“This is an uncertain time for many of the more than 100,000 people who work in the industry as we navigate the sector safely out of the covid restrictions. Our industry wants to play a full part in helping kickstart the economy, supporting jobs and growth, and contributing to the exchequer.

“The BGC has warmly welcomed the Government’s Gambling Review, which is a golden opportunity to build on the work we have already done on raising standards, promoting safer gambling and driving big changes across the industry. We know how important that work is to the DCMS.

“I’d also like to pay tribute to Nigel Huddleston, who has done a superb job in challenging circumstances. He always understood the importance of the industry to the economy and to millions of people to regularly and safely enjoy a flutter. And he was always willing to engage with us, in particular in championing continued progress on safer gambling. Given the important contribution the betting industry makes to sport and the ongoing challenges facing sport’s finances, we look forward to continuing to work with him and we wish him all the very best”.