BGC welcome announcement of extra financial support for sports affected by the Covid-19 pandemic
Responding to the Government’s announcement of extra financial support for sports affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, Brigid Simmonds, chair of the Betting and Gaming Council, said:
“We welcome this announcement by Nigel Huddleston, which comes at a time when sports across the country are suffering like never before.
“It is especially good news that horse racing – which has been badly hit by the ban on spectators as well as the closure of betting shops - is to receive £40m. In normal times, racing receives more than £200m a year from bookies through levy and media rights payments, so this will go some way towards helping them survive the pandemic.
“The Government money for grassroots football will also supplement the financial help provided by projects like GVC’s ‘Pitching In’ programme for the lower leagues.
“The support given to a range of sports – including rugby league, darts and snooker - by the betting and gaming industry, allied to this Government funding, should help to ensure they have a long-term future despite their current difficulties.”
