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As part of the annual Grand National charity bet initiative, The Betting and Gaming Council has raised more than PS15,000 to benefit good causes.
Over 50 MPs bet for charity on the Grand National race held Saturday. The UK’s largest betting operators donated all winnings to their chosen charity.
I am Maximus was the eventual winner, riding Paul Townend and owned by JP McManus, trained by Willie Mullins. Nine years after Hedge hunter’s Grand National victory in 2015, Mullins-trained horse I am Maximus won the Grand National.
Christian Wakeford, Maria Caulfield, Justin Tomlinson, Greg Smith, Peter Aldous, Preet Gil, and Liam Kerr were the parliamentarians that backed the winning candidate.
Bob Blackman, MP won his bet on Ain’t That A Shame by betting each way. It came in sixth.
The Fed, a social care charity for Greater Manchester’s Jewish Community and the Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare were among the winners.
John Lamont, Scotland Minister John Lamont and Sir Alok Sharma were also present.
Stephanie Peacock, MP, Shadow Minister of Gambling and John Healey, MP Shadow Secretary of Defence also participated.
During their visits, staff informed MPs about the various safer gambling options available to bookmakers’ customers.
BGC members William Hill, Ladbrokes Coral, Paddy Power, and Betfred have pledged to donate at least PS250 to each charity nominated, even if the MPs horses did not win.
Together, these donations and the winning entries raised PS15,115.
Since its inception, BGC members have raised over PS6 million to support good causes.
Michael Dugher said, “600 million viewers from around the globe tuned in to one of the greatest Grand Nationals in history, including millions of people in the UK who watched it on ITV. Around 12 million adults in the UK, or roughly one third of the adult population, bet on the National. This shows that betting is a part of the British culture.
“I would like to pay tribute all the thousands of people working in betting shops who help to support local economies and struggling high streets. I want to thank all the MPs that took part in this event for their support of so many great causes and taking time to visit constituents who work in betting shops. More MPs supported the BGC than ever before. Ministers and shadows ministers from all political parties were there to support the Grand National. “I would like to thank our members once again for supporting the initiative.”
