The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has introduced a new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Statement of Principles designed to strengthen fair and inclusive workplaces across the regulated UK betting and gaming sector.
The initiative was announced ahead of International Women’s Day on 8 March and outlines shared commitments for BGC members to support respect, equal opportunities, employee wellbeing and safe working environments.
The guidance applies to organisations throughout the industry, including those operating retail betting shops, technology teams, trading departments, customer service centres and corporate offices.
The BGC represents more than 90% of the regulated betting and gaming market in the UK.
According to the council, the new principles are intended to reinforce workplace standards and ensure employees across the industry are treated with dignity and respect in every professional setting.
Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the BGC, said the sector employs hundreds of thousands of people across a wide variety of roles and locations.
She noted that employers have a responsibility to ensure those workplaces remain fair, respectful and safe for everyone.
Hurst said the initiative highlights the industry’s role in creating environments where people from different backgrounds can work and develop their careers.
The statement also encourages companies to share best practices and collaborate in strengthening standards across the sector.
Discussions about workplace standards in the industry often occur alongside wider conversations about how the sector operates for players.
For example, resources highlighting responsible platforms such as best UK online casinos help showcase regulated and trusted environments within the broader online gaming ecosystem.
The BGC said it has also implemented several internal policies aimed at supporting staff and improving workplace conditions.
These include enhanced parental leave, a menopause strategy and expanded mental health and wellbeing initiatives.
The council explained that these policies reflect wider developments across the industry as companies adapt their internal frameworks to better support employees.
Many BGC members have already introduced their own programmes focused on inclusion, diversity and staff wellbeing.
Through the DEI Statement of Principles, the BGC aims to create a common baseline across its membership while encouraging individual companies to continue building and improving their own initiatives.
To support the rollout of the principles, the BGC plans to use its People’s Forum, a platform that brings together representatives from across the industry.
The forum allows companies to exchange insights, discuss workplace inclusion and identify practical ways to strengthen diversity and employee support.
The organisation is also conducting a survey among its members to gather data on workforce diversity across the regulated betting and gaming industry.
The results are expected to help the council better understand current representation levels and identify areas where progress may be needed.
Under the new framework, BGC members commit to treating all individuals with dignity and respect.
This includes maintaining professional conduct across offices, retail locations, industry events and online interactions.
The principles also highlight fair opportunity and inclusive hiring practices.
Member companies are encouraged to ensure transparent recruitment processes, support fair career progression and reduce potential bias in workplace policies.
The statement recognises that employees may enter the industry through a variety of different career paths.
Employee well-being forms another core part of the framework.
The BGC said workplaces should prioritise mental health support, offer flexibility where possible and provide reasonable adjustments for staff.
This is particularly important for employees working in customer-facing or shift-based roles.
The final section of the statement emphasises the importance of safe and legally compliant workplaces.
Members must meet regulatory obligations, support safeguarding measures and maintain responsible operational practices across the sector.
The BGC said it will continue monitoring progress as companies implement the new principles.
The organisation plans to work closely with its members to raise standards and encourage inclusive workplace practices throughout the regulated UK betting and gaming industry.