Call from UK gambling industry on reputation and apprenticeships

Representatives of the UK gambling industry called for more investment in apprenticeship programmes and for the sector's contribution to employment to be communicated to the public more effectively. Speaking at a panel held at the Hippodrome Casino, representatives of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), Bacta and the Gambling Business Group (GBG) said that if reputational concerns were not addressed, businesses could face more government intervention.

The discussion was part of the wider Better Change initiative, which aims to expand apprenticeships across the sector ahead of Safer Gambling Week. Speakers said the sector needed to make a stronger case for its contribution to employment and local economies. They also acknowledged that the sector had not responded to some concerns in a timely manner.

Robert Gibb, commercial executive director at Bacta, said land-based businesses were under particular pressure because they had limited ability to pass cost increases on to customers. Gibb pointed to the increase in gaming duty for adult gaming centres (AGCs) and the uncertainty surrounding the business rates relief scheme. He said both measures were included in the 2026 Budget. Gibb said, "Our stakes, our price to play and our revenue are set by the government. That is why we cannot pass the cost on to customers."

Gibb said cost pressures could affect investment in staff, and he highlighted apprenticeships as a way to build skills in businesses of different sizes. Arguing that policymakers do not always understand the diversity of the sector, he added that visits to businesses could help dispel misconceptions. Gibb also said the government generally lacked education about the sector. Peter Hannibal, chief executive of the Gambling Business Group, supported this view and said the real problem was the sector's reputation.