BGC Welcomes Poppy Gustafsson as UK Minister for Investment, Emphasizing Gaming Sector’s Economic Impact

Excited about the future of UK investment? The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has just welcomed the appointment of Poppy Gustafsson, the new UK Minister for Investment. With her vast experience in business and technology, Gustafsson is set to attract significant global investment, particularly ahead of the highly anticipated International Investment Summit. Curious about how her leadership could impact the UK’s economy and gaming industry? Read on as we explore the role she’ll play and the BGC’s vision for the future.

BGC Welcomes Poppy Gustafsson as Minister for Investment, Emphasizing Gaming Sector’s Contributions

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has enthusiastically welcomed Poppy Gustafsson’s appointment as the new UK Minister for Investment, emphasizing the vital role the gaming industry plays in the UK economy. Gustafsson, best known as the Co-Founder of British cybersecurity firm Darktrace, left her position in September 2024 to take on this significant governmental role. The BGC sees this appointment as a major opportunity to highlight the sector’s economic contributions and investment potential in the UK.

The UK Government has tasked Gustafsson with promoting the country to global investors and businesses, seeking to boost economic growth and attract much-needed investment. Her appointment comes just ahead of the inaugural International Investment Summit, where her focus will be on showcasing the UK as a prime destination for foreign investment.

The BGC is keen to underscore the gaming sector’s pivotal contribution to the UK’s economy. With £7.1 billion contributed annually, generating £4.2 billion in tax revenue, and supporting 110,000 jobs, the sector is a crucial part of the UK’s financial landscape. The BGC’s members include industry giants like Flutter, bet365, and Entain, whose innovations and investments continue to drive economic growth.

Grainne Hurst, CEO of the BGC, expressed her excitement about Gustafsson’s appointment, stating: “On behalf of our members, the 110,000 people whose jobs rely on the regulated betting and gaming industry, and the 22.5 million people who enjoy a bet each month, I’d like to congratulate Poppy Gustafsson OBE on her appointment as Minister for Investment. Poppy’s business and financial acumen will bring valuable insights to her new role, and I’m confident her leadership will help drive further investment into the UK.”

Hurst also highlighted the importance of Gustafsson’s role across both the Department for Business and Trade and the Treasury, noting that her expertise in the private sector will be essential in fostering innovation and investment, particularly in sectors like betting and gaming.

Busy Week for the BGC

The announcement of Gustafsson’s appointment comes during a particularly active week for the BGC. Earlier in the week, the association appointed Simon Clare as its representative on the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB), replacing Mike O’Kane. This move underscores the BGC’s ongoing commitment to horse racing and its related economic contributions.

Additionally, the BGC launched its first International Best Practice Guide and entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with both the American Gaming Association and the European Casino Association (ECA). This collaborative effort seeks to address shared global priorities in the gaming industry, demonstrating the BGC’s proactive approach to international cooperation and industry standards.

With Poppy Gustafsson stepping into her new role as the UK Minister for Investment, the BGC sees a bright future for the UK economy, particularly for the betting and gaming sector. Her business expertise, coupled with the sector’s significant contributions to tax revenue, job creation, and innovation, positions the UK as a leading destination for global investment. As the International Investment Summit approaches, Gustafsson’s leadership is expected to bring fresh opportunities, driving both economic growth and investment in key industries.