The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) members, including Flutter, Bet365, Entain, and William Hill, have pledged their support to a fundraising initiative that promotes social responsibility. On 16 June, these companies will donate the profits they earn from win and each-way bets on the Britannia Stakes, a significant horse race. After deducting levy and duties, the remaining profits will be given to charities such as ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, Sue Ryder, Ascot Racecourse Supports Community Fund, The Ivors Academy Trust, and Cotswold Riding for the Disabled. In the event of no profits, the operators have agreed to make a donation themselves. By participating in this initiative, these betting companies aim to contribute to the betterment of society and align their activities with social-responsibility principles. The BGC’s CEO, Michael Dugher, expresses his gratitude to Royal Ascot for its continuous support and appreciates the Queen’s Jubilee in this particular year, as racing is a sport that brings people together.
Queen Elizabeth, a passionate racing enthusiast, has attended almost every Royal Ascot since 1945 and has had 23 winners. This year, the Platinum Jubilee commemorates 70 years since her coronation in June 1952 and will be marked by a four-day public holiday in the UK. In addition to the BGC members, other companies such as BetVictor, Kindred, Betway, Rank Group, Virgin Bet, Tote, Fitzdares, and Bet with Ascot have also joined this philanthropic initiative. Building upon the success of last year’s Britannia Stakes fundraising drive, which raised £1.25 million for various causes, this year’s event aims to further contribute to good causes. One of the chosen beneficiaries, Sue Ryder, expresses delight in being involved this year, as Queen Elizabeth has been their patron since 1993. The donations received will help Sue Ryder provide care and support in the areas of palliative care, neurological care, and bereavement support.
