Even though they experienced losses on wagers placed at Royal Ascot’s “British Champions Day,” sportsbooks dug into their pockets and provided a sizable charitable contribution to organizations in the United Kingdom.
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) revealed that its affiliates, encompassing prominent names such as Flutter, bet365, and Entain, will collectively contribute £277,000 (approximately $352,000 USD). This significant amount will be distributed among six different UK-based charities. The previous year’s event, while ultimately unprofitable for the bookmakers, successfully generated £120,000 for the designated charities. This time around, despite facing a comparable outcome, the bookmakers were resolute in ensuring that the charities wouldn’t be deprived.
Michael Dugher, the BGC’s Chief Executive, remarked, “It’s wonderful news that BGC members are once again in a position to make such a substantial donation to a variety of worthy causes. I am certain that the funds we raise will once more have a significant impact on the outstanding work carried out by all the benefiting charities. I’m immensely proud that BGC members have now raised nearly £6 million for charities throughout the UK.”
This occasion represents the fourth consecutive year that BGC members have donated their “British Champions Day” earnings.
Tim Lawler, Chief Executive of SportsAid, one of the recipient charities, conveyed his appreciation, stating, “We are incredibly thankful for this generous contribution. We are honored to be a part of this exciting endeavor, which is part of the historic and quintessentially British Royal Ascot.”
William Hill’s contribution to Ukrainian relief efforts wasn’t a case of missing the mark. The company had committed all earnings from the Eurovision song contest final, and with Swedish front-runner Loreen’s triumph, that sum reached £200,000. This occurred despite a spike in wagering – an increase of 23% compared to the previous year!
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