Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) chief executive Michael Dugher called on Chancellor Rishi Sunak to deliver a “Budget for jobs” this week, saying the gambling industry is ready to help the Treasury with its post-pandemic recovery plan.
Sunak is due to announce his Autumn Budget on 27 October and Dugher set out his hopes that it would include support for jobs in the gambling sector, as well as in other areas hit by the pandemic.
Land-based venues such as betting shops and casinos were forced to close completely or operate with restrictions for large parts of the pandemic, which in turn severely impacted their revenue.
However, with these venues now operating at full capacity again and making an increased contribution to the economy, Dugher said the industry is ready to play its part in Britain’s recovery from the pandemic.
Dugher said that BGC members support 119,000 jobs, generate £4.5bn (€5.3bn/$6.2bn) in tax and contribute £7.7bn to the economy in gross value added.
In addition, BGC members have pledged to create 5,000 apprenticeships by 2025 through their support for the government’s Plan For Jobs.
“Our members are ready, willing and able to assist in the post-pandemic economic recovery,” Dugher said.
“They already support tens of thousands of jobs across the UK, helping to generate billions of pounds in revenue for the Treasury, and with ambitious plans for further expansion in the years to come.
“I therefore hope that the Chancellor delivers a Budget for jobs which will help to repair the damage done by Covid, sustain the economic recovery and – with the full support of the regulated betting and gaming industry – help Britain to build back better.”