The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has appointed Kane Purdy, Managing Director at Gamesys Operations Limited, as the new non-executive Chair with immediate effect.

Kane takes on the role after 20 years in the betting and gaming industry, bringing extensive operational experience, deep sector knowledge and a strong track record of leadership across the regulated sector.

In addition to his role at Gamesys Operations Limited – part of Bally’s Intralot – Kane has played an active role in driving industry collaboration, including as Chair of GamProtect, the single customer view initiative designed to enhance player protection and raise standards across the industry.

The Chair position will be filled on a rotating basis by BGC members, with each term lasting 12 months.

Kane succeeds Executive Chair Michael Dugher, who stepped down earlier this year after six years at the BGC.

Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive Officer of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “Kane brings a huge amount of experience, expertise and talent to this role, built over two decades in the industry.

“He is a highly respected leader with a deep understanding of both the opportunities and the responsibilities that come with operating in a regulated environment. He has also demonstrated a strong commitment to collaboration, helping to drive forward initiatives that strengthen standards and protections across the sector.

“I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to champion our members, raise standards and support a well-regulated industry that delivers for customers, the economy and communities across the country.”

Kane Purdy, Managing Director at Gamesys Operations Limited and non-executive Chair of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “I am honoured and delighted to take on the role of Chair of the Betting and Gaming Council.

“After 20 years in the industry, I understand the importance of working collectively to meet challenges, raise standards and ensure the regulated sector continues to thrive.

“I look forward to working collaboratively with Grainne and the team, as well as with members from across the industry, to build on the strong progress already made and help shape the future direction of the BGC.”

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The harmful gambling black market cashed in during the Grand National, with up to £100m potentially staked with illegal operators across the Aintree Festival, including as much as £40m on the big race alone, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has warned.

The Grand National is one of the biggest betting events in the sporting calendar, attracting millions of punters and billions in wagers each year.

But these figures underline the growing threat posed by illegal gambling operators, who target major events while offering none of the protections required of regulated firms.

The BGC warned that rising costs on licensed operators, alongside the threat of increasingly intrusive checks requiring customers to hand over personal financial details, risk driving more punters towards the unsafe, unregulated market.

Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “The Grand National is one of the biggest moments in the sporting calendar, enjoyed safely by millions.

“But the criminal harmful black market will also have tried to cash in, targeting punters with illegal betting that offers zero protections.

“Rising costs and increasingly intrusive checks will only make it harder for legitimate operators to compete.

“The priority must be keeping punters in the regulated market, where safeguards are in place, rather than driving them towards dangerous illegal operators.

“Licensed betting firms in Britain must meet strict standards, including age verification, anti-money laundering checks and safer gambling protections. By contrast, black market operators act outside the law and offer no safeguards to customers.”

The regulated betting and gaming sector supports over 109,000 jobs, contributes £6.8bn to the UK economy and raises £4bn in tax each year, while also providing vital funding for British horseracing.

The BGC said tackling the criminal gangs behind illegal gambling sites must remain a priority to protect punters and support the regulated sector.

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The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has warned that the incoming British tax hikes will boost black market activity.

Based on a new polling by Anacta reported in February 2026, there are concerns that proposed UK government gambling strategies, particularly regarding increased taxes, could contradict their intended harm-reduction goals.

While ministers have launched a consultation to ban unlicensed operators from sponsoring football clubs, including in the Premier League, ordinary punters fear the Government’s new tax rises could drive millions straight into illegal gambling sites, the new poll reveals.

The poll, conducted found:

• 52% of people who bet believe higher taxes will make punters more likely to use unlicensed black market sites.

• 66% of those who bet say tax increases will make betting and gaming less enjoyable.

• 57% think UK gambling is already heavily regulated.

With around 22.5 million adults placing a bet each month, the Government’s disastrous tax hikes will drive millions more to the harmful black market.

Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “When you tax responsible, regulated betting and gaming companies harder, you do not reduce demand you simply drive customers towards the unsafe, unregulated black market.

“Illegal gambling sites do not pay tax. They do not contribute to British sport. They do not invest in safer gambling and they do not protect vulnerable people.

“If the Government wants growth and genuine consumer protection, it must back the regulated sector not make it less competitive against criminals.”

The regulated sector supports 109,000 jobs, contributes £6.8 billion to the economy and generates £4 billion in tax revenue, funding everything from the NHS to schools and local communities.

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