Britain’s Bookies Back Good Causes at Royal Ascot

For the sixth consecutive year, Britain’s biggest bookmakers are turning bets into charitable contributions at Royal Ascot, with all profits from this year’s Britannia Stakes race being donated to UK charities.

The fundraising initiative, led by members of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), will see profits from win and each-way bets (after tax and levies) on the Britannia Stakes, held this year on Ladies’ Day, Thursday 19th June, go to seven vital charities:

• Prostate Cancer UK
• Missing People
• The SAS Regimental Association (SASRA)
• Ascot Racecourse Supports
• Racing to School
• Greenhouse Sports
• Tempus Novo

Participating BGC members include major names such as Flutter (Paddy Power, Betfair, Sky Bet), Entain (Ladbrokes, Coral), Evoke (888 and William Hill), Kindred (Unibet), Betway, Rank Group (Grosvenor Sport), Virgin Bet, LivescoreBet, Star Sports, QuinnBet, Tote and Bet with Ascot. In the spirit of generosity, if no profits are made on the day, the operators have pledged a combined donation of £200,000, ensuring charities benefit no matter the outcome on the track.

Over £3 Million Raised And Counting

Since the initiative was introduced, the Britannia Stakes fundraising campaign has generated more than £3 million for UK charities. This is in addition to the £6 million raised by BGC members for a range of health, veterans, and youth charities since 2019.

Industry and Charity Leaders Applaud the Effort

Grainne Hurst, CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council, commented:

“We’re proud to continue our partnership with Royal Ascot on this fantastic initiative. It showcases the positive impact our industry can have. Millions of people enjoy a bet and with the Britannia Stakes, punters can enjoy the race knowing their stake could help change lives.”

Felicity Barnard, Chief Executive at Ascot Racecourse, added:

“We’re thrilled that Ascot Racecourse Supports is again among the beneficiaries. The funds raised help us deliver important community and equine projects and we are hugely thankful to the BGC and participating operators.”

Charities React to the Support

Prostate Cancer UK CEO Laura Kerby: “This generous support funds our lifesaving research, including our groundbreaking TRANSFORM screening trial. It brings us closer to a future where every man can be screened early enough to be cured.”

Missing People CEO Jo Youle OBE: “170,000 people go missing every year. Thanks to this initiative, we can be there for them and their families when it matters most.”

SASRA Secretary John Allcock: “We’re humbled to be recognised by the horseracing community and thank the BGC for their support of our veterans.”

Greenhouse Sports CEO Don Barrell: “This support enables us to continue our work with disadvantaged youth, using sport as a vehicle for long-term change and opportunity.”

Racing to School CEO John Blake: “As horse racing’s smallest charity, we’re grateful for the recognition. The funds will help us engage a record 17,500 students this year and celebrate our 250,000th participant milestone.”

Tempus Novo CEO Steve Freer: “We help ex-offenders rebuild their lives through sustainable employment. This donation is not just financial support; it gives people a second chance and builds safer communities.”

The Bigger Picture

The UK’s regulated betting and gaming industry supports 109,000 jobs, contributes £4bn in taxes and adds £6.8bn to the economy annually. It also supports horse racing to the tune of £350m a year via sponsorship, media rights and the betting levy. While approximately 22.5 million adults in Britain place a bet each month, the latest NHS Health Survey for England shows that just 0.4% of the adult population are classified as problem gamblers, a figure the industry continues to work to reduce through responsible gambling initiatives.