BGC Welcomes Sport Investment Plans but Warns Against Gambling Tax Hikes

The sport investment is part of a wider £900 million package that includes funding to support major sporting events such as Euro 2028, the 2026 European Athletics Championships and potential stages of the men’s and women’s Tour de France. The BGC described the funding as complementary to its members’ long-standing efforts to support local sport.

Initiatives already in place include Entain’s Pitching In programme, which supports non-league football in partnership with the Trident Leagues, and Flutter’s Cash4Clubs scheme, which has awarded £6.5 million in grants to local teams since 2008.

Highlighting the value of betting sector contributions to UK sport, the BGC cited research from EY showing that horse racing benefits from £350 million in annual funding, with English Football League clubs receiving £40 million. Sports such as snooker, darts and rugby league collectively receive over £12.5 million.

In addition to sports funding, the Government’s new Modern Industrial Strategy was also welcomed, particularly for its focus on maintaining global competitiveness and supporting the creative industries. Yet, the BGC warned that any rise in online gambling taxes could damage the sector’s ability to contribute. The industry currently delivers £6.8 billion in economic output and £4 billion in tax, while supporting over 100,000 jobs.

Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the BGC, said:

“As long-time committed supporters of grassroots sports through investment, charity partnerships and sponsorship deals, we are delighted to see the Government commit more cash to unite communities and inspire people to take up sport.” She added, “We also welcome the Government’s commitments to a tax regime that supports its growth ambitions. We have been clear, any tax rises on our sector will not boost growth, but will force people to the growing unsafe gambling black market.”