Latest News

Michael Dugher to Step Down as Chair of BGC

Published

6 months ago

January 16, 2026

michael-dugher-to-step-down-as-chair-of-bgc

Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) Chair Michael Dugher is to step down after six years at the industry standards body.

Michael, who was the BGC’s founding Chief Executive for more than four years before becoming Chair in April 2024, will leave his position with immediate effect to take up a new role at Brunswick Group, the leading global advisory firm, as Head of its UK Public Affairs Practice. He will continue to work as a freelance business adviser and will remain a Board Member and Director at Nottingham Forest Football Club.

Michael led the BGC from its inception as the new standards body for the regulated industry, bringing together previously separate industry bodies representing land-based casinos, high street bookmakers and online betting, gaming and bingo. He steered the industry through the Government’s Gambling Act Review and the publication of the Gambling White Paper in 2023, which introduced the most extensive legislative and regulatory changes in a generation.

A former Labour MP and Shadow Secretary of State for DCMS, Michael worked closely with the regulator, the Gambling Commission, and other stakeholders to raise standards across the sector. Under his leadership, the BGC introduced and adopted 20 new safer gambling codes containing 100 new standards. A lifelong fan of horseracing, Michael also launched a number of charity initiatives, including the Britannia Stakes charity race at Royal Ascot and the Grand National Charity Bet, which, with thanks to BGC members, has raised more than £6.5 million for a wide range of good causes.

Michael said: “I am immensely proud of everything we have achieved at the BGC. Working with outstanding colleagues and members, we brought the industry together, embraced higher standards in safer gambling and championed an industry that employs tens of thousands of talented, hardworking, decent men and women in communities across almost every part of the UK. We also raised millions of pounds for so many good causes, particularly for racing and armed forces charities that have always been close to my heart.

“In an era when there is sadly so much ignorance and snobbery about betting – not helped, in my view, by the decline in the number of working-class people in Parliament – the BGC did a difficult job in navigating the industry through the previous Government’s gambling review. This resulted in a White Paper that, though not without its challenges, avoided many of the most draconian and disproportionate measures advocated by anti-gambling prohibitionists.

“By embracing change and positively engaging with Government and Parliamentarians, we made the case for an evidence-led approach to regulation and legislation that raised standards, protected jobs and growth as much as possible, and delivered historic deregulation and investment for Britain’s world-leading casino sector – all while keeping customers safe in the regulated industry. This approach is increasingly at risk today given the very worrying growth in harmful gambling in the unregulated online black market.

“I would like to thank all the BGC members and staff who supported me over the years, especially the BGC’s superb Chief Executive, Grainne Hurst. I would also like to pay tribute to the many ministers, shadow ministers and officials at DCMS whom I was privileged to work with. I wish the industry, and the sports that rely on its funding, not least British horseracing, all the very best for the future.”

BGC Chief Executive Grainne Hurst said: “Michael’s contribution to the Betting and Gaming Council over the past six years has been exceptional. From the outset, he brought clarity of purpose, a trusted standing with policymakers and regulators, and a steadfast commitment to championing a responsible, well-regulated betting and gaming industry.

“Under his leadership, the BGC was firmly established as a credible standards body, uniting a diverse membership around stronger consumer protections and a shared determination to do the right thing, often going beyond regulatory requirements.

“He guided the industry through the most significant regulatory reform in a generation, helping to deliver the Gambling White Paper and shape its implementation in a way that balances consumer protection with the realities of a major UK leisure industry enjoyed safely by millions each month. His leadership was also pivotal in securing long-overdue casino modernisation and proportionate regulation.

“On a personal note, it has been a genuine privilege to work alongside Michael. He leaves a proud and lasting legacy at the BGC, having strengthened standards, unified the industry and ensured it is well prepared for the challenges ahead.”

Ian Proctor, Chairman of Flutter UK & Ireland, said: “Michael worked tirelessly to help establish the BGC as a strong and authoritative body for the regulated industry. During a period of significant policy change, his experience and judgement were invaluable in supporting constructive engagement with Government and the regulator, including through the Gambling Act Review and the delivery of the White Paper.

“I would like to thank Michael for all his hard work and, on behalf of the wider industry, wish him every success in the future.”

The post Michael Dugher to Step Down as Chair of BGC appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Up Next

REEVO Announcs Strategic Two-way Partnership with RAW iGaming

Don't Miss

Amusnet Releases “10 Alebrijes Eternal” Slot

Central America

FeedConstruct takes exclusive data and streaming rights for Nicaragua’s Liga Primera

Published

9 hours ago

July 20, 2026

Wladimir P.

feedconstruct-takes-exclusive-data-and-streaming-rights-for-nicaragua’s-liga-primera

Deal covers worldwide distribution of Liga Primera and Copa Primera content for sportsbooks and betting suppliers.

FeedConstruct has acquired exclusive worldwide streaming and data rights for Nicaragua’s top-tier football competitions, Liga Primera and Copa Primera.

The company said the agreement delivers start-to-finish coverage of every match across both competitions and expands its Central American football portfolio for sportsbook operators and providers using its data integration and streaming.

Ani Isakhanyan, Head of Rights and Content at FeedConstruct, stated, “Securing these exclusive rights is a highly valuable addition to our portfolio. Liga Primera and Copa Primera deliver the consistent football content that the global iGaming industry demands. This acquisition ensures our partners can offer comprehensive coverage of a rapidly emerging betting market.”

Allan J. Chamorro, Managing Partner at Apollo Sports Business Group, added, “Nicaragua has rapidly established itself as one of Central America’s fastest-growing football markets, attracting growing regional recognition and international commercial interest. Our partnership with FeedConstruct builds on that momentum by expanding the global distribution of Liga Primera and Copa Primera while powering sustainable commercial opportunities that strengthen clubs, elevate the competitions, and accelerate the long-term growth of the game.”

Liga Primera and Copa Primera are the main competitions in Nicaragua’s professional football calendar. FeedConstruct said the competitions are gaining regional recognition in Central America, supported by regular participation in CONCACAF tournaments.

The post FeedConstruct takes exclusive data and streaming rights for Nicaragua’s Liga Primera appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Cool Bus Shelter

The UAE Lottery backs Cool Bus Shelter initiative for outdoor workers

Published

18 hours ago

July 20, 2026

Wladimir P.

the-uae-lottery-backs-cool-bus-shelter-initiative-for-outdoor-workers

The UAE Lottery has partnered with SmartLife Foundation to support outdoor workers during the UAE summer, backing the Cool Bus Shelter initiative in Abu Dhabi on July 20, 2026.

The programme aligns with the UAE’s Midday Break rules, which require outdoor work to stop between 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM during peak heat. As part of the initiative, air-conditioned buses were stationed near labour sites to provide workers a place to rest before returning outdoors.

Volunteers from The UAE Lottery and SmartLife Foundation provided cold towels, cold water and drinks, according to the organisations. Workers also received portable rechargeable neck fans intended to provide additional cooling after the break.

Suzan Kazzi, Associate Director – Corporate Social Responsibility at Momentum- The UAE Lottery, said: “Outdoor workers are the backbone of our cities’ urban development, and initiatives like the Cool Bus Shelter ensure they receive the care and recognition they deserve during the most challenging months of the year. This is our small way of saying thank you and reminding them that their wellbeing truly matters”.

Abhijeet Oak, Vice President at SmartLife Foundation, added: “At SmartLife Foundation, we believe that protecting the wellbeing of outdoor workforce is a shared responsibility. Through the Cool Bus Shelter initiative, we are proud to collaborate with organizations such as The UAE Lottery and other community partners to create moments of comfort, appreciation and human connection that leave a lasting impact”.

The post The UAE Lottery backs Cool Bus Shelter initiative for outdoor workers appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Bally’s Intralot

Intralot Ireland Limited Signs Seven Year Contract Extension with Premier Lotteries Ireland

Published

19 hours ago

July 20, 2026

Wladimir P.

intralot-ireland-limited-signs-seven-year-contract-extension-with-premier-lotteries-ireland

Bally’s Intralot announced that its subsidiary Intralot Ireland Limited has signed a seven year contract extension, through November 2034, with Premier Lotteries Ireland (PLI). The agreement supports PLI’s continued operation of the Irish National Lottery through the remainder of its license period and reinforces Bally’s Intralot’s role as a trusted technology and services partner.

Under the terms of the agreement, Bally’s Intralot will modernise PLI’s technology ecosystem by deploying its next-generation LotosX Omni solution and PlayerX Player Account Management platform. The solution will provide a modern, cloud-based technology foundation supporting lottery operations across retail and digital channels, while incorporating advanced retailer management, instant games management, device management and content management capabilities. The agreement also includes comprehensive support and maintenance services, along with cloud operations and cybersecurity services for the first year, designed to ensure the long-term reliability, security and performance of PLI’s technology environment.

Through this partnership, Bally’s Intralot will support PLI in delivering a future-ready operating environment designed to enhance operational efficiency, accelerate innovation and strengthen player engagement. The modernisation will provide a secure, scalable and resilient platform that enables PLI to continue evolving its offerings while improving time-to-market implementation of new initiatives, along with maintaining the highest standards of reliability and service to players and retailers across Ireland.

“We are pleased to extend our partnership with Bally’s Intralot, a relationship built on trust, commitment to excellence, and shared ambition since 2014. As we look to the future, this agreement provides a strong platform for continued innovation and growth, ensuring we can deliver a modern, secure, and world-class National Lottery that places responsible play at its heart while continuing to benefit communities across Ireland,” said Cian Murphy, CEO of PLI.

Robeson Reeves, CEO of the Bally’s Intralot Group, said: “We are proud to extend our long-standing partnership with Premier Lotteries Ireland for a further seven years. This agreement reflects the strength of our technology and the trust we have built with PLI over more than a decade of collaboration. We look forward to continuing to support the National Lottery of Ireland and to delivering innovative, responsible gaming experiences to players across the country.”

The post Intralot Ireland Limited Signs Seven Year Contract Extension with Premier Lotteries Ireland appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.