SPORTS BETTING
UK – Bookmakers donate £1.2m profit from Britannia Stakes race to charity
By William - 20 June 2022
UK charities have landed a sizeable donation after bookies handed over all their profits from a flagship race.
ABF – The Soldiers’ Charity, Sue Ryder, Ascot Racecourse Supports Community Fund, The Ivors Academy Trust and Cotswold Riding for the Disabled will receive a share of £1.2m after 14/1 shot Thesis ridden by Ryan Moore won this year’s Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot last Thursday.
Flutter (Paddy Power, Betfair, Sky Bet), bet365, Entain (Ladbrokes, Coral), William Hill, 888, BetVictor, Kindred (Unibet), Betway, Rank Group (Grosvenor Sport), Virgin Bet, Tote, Fitzdares and Bet with Ascot all signed up to the fundraising initiative.
Betting and Gaming Council members have raised £5.5m for charity since the BGC was formed in November 2019 through the Britannia Stakes and the virtual Grand National.
Michael Dugher, chief executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “It’s great news that BGC members have once again made such a big donation to a number of brilliant charities. BGC members support the jobs of nearly 120,000 people and we are proud to back so many good causes in so many local communities all year round.
“We are also equally proud of the close relationship we have with the great British sport of horse racing. But with crowds back, with millions more watching it live on ITV, and with this year being Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, Royal Ascot 2022 was extra special.
“I am sure that the money we raised will once again make a huge difference to the incredible work done by all the charities involved.
“I’d like to thank all the BGC members who took part – as well as their customers who enjoyed a flutter on the race – and I’d like to thank Ascot for their continued support.”
