Member organisations of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) have distributed over £1.25 million to a selection of charities, donating the entirety of the profits from the Britannia Stakes race, held on 17 June during the Royal Ascot festival.
Participants in the initiative include BGC members Flutter Entertainment (Paddy Power, Betfair, Sky Bet), bet365, Entain (Ladbrokes, Coral), William Hill, Kindred (Unibet), BetVictor, Betway, Rank Group (Grosvenor Sport) and AnzoGroup (Livescore Bet and Virgin Bet), plus the Tote, Fitzdares and Sporting Index.
The commitment was made on 1 June, and includes profits made from both win and each-way bets following the detection of duties and levy. Additionally, all participating operators agreed that a donation would still be made even if a profit was not recorded.
Furthermore, the total amount raised also represents a significant increase on the charitable donation made following last year’s Britannia Stakes, which totalled £250,000.
“I am absolutely thrilled by the amount raised by this fantastic initiative at Royal Ascot,” commented Michael Dugher, Chief Executive of the BGC. “This money will make a huge difference to the incredible work done by 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 – for their generosity in supporting some really great causes.”
The £1.25 million will be split between Prostate Cancer UK, Marie Curie, three Armed Forces charities and Care Radio, after 18/1 shot Peretto, ridden by Oisin Murphy, triumphed in the meeting.
The Tri-forces charities who will all benefit from the race are the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity, British Army national charity the Army Benevolent Fund and the RAF Benevolent Fund.
“We’d like to thank the Betting and Gaming Council members for this incredible donation, which enables us to support people across the UK through our frontline nursing and hospice care and support services,” added Susan Boissier, Head of Special Events, Marie Curie.
“Our fundraising has been impacted by coronavirus and it’s thanks to generous initiatives such as this that we are there for people and to help improve everyone’s experience at the end of life.”
Alastair Warwick, Managing Director of Ascot Racecourse, also remarked: “We’re delighted that Royal Ascot has once again played a part in raising valuable funds for these deserving charities.
“I know this fantastic initiative from the betting industry is hugely appreciated and the money will be used for some extremely worthwhile causes.”