Michael Dugher will step down as the Betting and Gaming Council chair after six years with the trade body.
The BGC announced on Wednesday that Dugher will step down with immediate effect, before taking on a new role at the advisory firm Brunswick Group.
Formerly a Labour MP, Dugher led the BGC from its December 2019 inception as CEO, before succeeding Brigid Simmonds as the body’s chair in April last year.
Dugher’s time as chair coincided with the implementation of the white paper in the UK. He oversaw the BGC’s introduction and adoption of 20 new safer gambling codes, which contained 100 new standards.
Dugher is “immensely proud” of his time with the BGC in what has been a tough period for the UK sector, which has faced numerous regulatory challenges and the announcement of tax rises last November.
“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,” Dugher said in the BGC press release announcing his departure.
“I would like to thank all the BGC members and staff who supported me over the years, especially the BGC’s superb chief executive, Grainne Hurst. I would also like to pay tribute to the many ministers, shadow ministers and officials at DCMS whom I was privileged to work with. I wish the industry, and the sports that rely on its funding, not least British horseracing, all the very best for the future.”
Industry pays tribute to Dugher
Among those to pay tribute to the outgoing Dugher was Flutter UK and Ireland Chairman Ian Proctor, who highlighted his role in navigating the white paper’s implementation.
“Michael worked tirelessly to help establish the BGC as a strong and authoritative body for the regulated industry,” Proctor said. “During a period of significant policy change, his experience and judgment 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.”
Grainne Hurst, who took over from Dugher as BGC CEO in September 2024, described his contribution to the BGC as “exceptional”.
Hurst said: “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.”
Having been at the BGC since its inception in 2019, Michael Dugher has now departed to become head of Brunswick Group’s UK public affairs practice.