A leading figure in the gambling industry has welcomed the news that Lisa Nandy will remain in her post as head of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport under new Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The culture secretary will continue her role in cabinet, having been appointed by former PM Keir Starmer in 2024.
Industry welcomes continuity
Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) chief executive Grainne Hurst responded to Nandy remaining in her post, stating: "We look forward to building on the constructive relationship we have developed since she first took office." Hurst added: "As the secretary of state has previously recognised, the regulated betting and gaming sector makes an important contribution to the UK economy, supports employment in communities across every nation and region of the United Kingdom, and brings joy to many millions of adults who enjoy betting and gaming safely each year. Our members support 109,000 jobs, contribute £6.8bn to the UK economy and generate £4bn in tax each year, while investing in sport and supporting racing." She concluded: "We look forward to working closely with the secretary of state and ministerial colleagues to support economic growth, continue raising standards across the regulated sector, and tackle the growing threat posed by the unsafe, unregulated illegal gambling market."
Tax environment in focus
Hurst also commented on the appointment of former defence secretary John Healey as chancellor of the exchequer. Healey’s predecessor Rachel Reeves increased gambling taxes in last November’s budget in a move that has affected online bookmakers and casino sites. Those taxes almost doubled the rate of remote gaming duty to 40 per cent, with a new remote betting duty rate of 25 per cent, increased from 15 per cent, due to come into force in April 2027. Hurst said that the BGC would work closely with the new chancellor of the exchequer to ensure that "the UK has a stable, internationally competitive tax and regulatory environment that allows our sector to continue delivering for the economy, consumers and the Treasury".
