Betting and Gaming Council scoops top award after virtual Grand National raises over £2.9m for NHS charities
The Betting and Gaming Council and its members have won a prestigious award after raising £2.9million for NHS charities from this year’s virtual Grand National.
The unique event has been named the Standout Charitable Event of the Year at the EGR Operator Awards.
April’s Grand National was cancelled along with all sporting events at the start of lockdown, in a major blow to fans across the world.
However, the BGC and its members worked quickly to team up with Inspired Entertain and ITV racing on their virtual race held on the same day and broadcast live on ITV.
Stakes were capped at £10 and our members agreed that all of their profits would be donated to NHS Charities Together, to help with the national effort against Covid-19.
An incredible five million people tuned in to watch 18/1 shot Potters Corner win the race, raising £2.9m for good causes in the process. Over £165,000 was raised from bets placed in Ireland which was donated by our members to the Irish Red Cross to help the national effort in Ireland.
The fundraising initiative was backed by Betting and Gaming Council members including bet365, Ladbrokes Coral, Paddy Power Betfair, Sky Bet, William Hill, Inspired Entertainment, BetFred, Betway, BetVictor, JenningsBet, 32 Red, Corbett Bookmakers, Unibet, Genting Bet , The Tote, Geoff Banks, Fitzdares and Virgin Bet, among others.
Michael Dugher, BGC chief executive, said:
“After the loss of all major sporting events earlier in the year, the virtual Grand National brought people together during a very difficult time.
“We were overwhelmed with the public support for the event and the backing shown for NHS Charities Together.
“This award is recognition of the huge amount of work that went in to organising this event, with the support of our members. The real winner, however, were the charities which shared in the £2.9m raised.”
