BGC Backs Nigel Huddleston as New Shadow Culture Secretary

BGC Welcomes Appointment of Experienced Policy Voice

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has expressed strong support for Nigel Huddleston’s appointment as Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, calling him a “longstanding advocate for evidence-based reform and open dialogue” who understands the regulated gambling industry.

Huddleston’s appointment follows a shadow cabinet reshuffle led by newly elected Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch. His new role will oversee gambling, gaming, horse racing, and digital culture—areas he previously managed during his tenure at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

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Return Amid Reform Uncertainty

His return comes at a pivotal time for the gambling industry, which continues to navigate slow implementation of the UK’s Gambling White Paper. Huddleston previously played a key role in launching the Gambling Act review that culminated in the 2023 White Paper.

Since then, the regulated industry has faced mounting pressure over enforcement timelines, tighter controls on high-value customer schemes, and escalating debates around tax reform, with proposals to unify the tax regimes for land-based and online gambling operators.

While welcomed by the BGC, the appointment drew caution from public health advocates and regulators, who plan to closely monitor how the new shadow team addresses delayed reforms.

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BGC Emphasizes Policy Continuity and Collaboration

Grainne Hurst, CEO of the BGC, stated:

“We warmly welcome Nigel Huddleston’s appointment. He is familiar with our sector and has consistently championed evidence-led policymaking and constructive engagement. We look forward to working with him on key issues—from supporting jobs and sports to enhancing safer gambling standards.”

The BGC stressed the importance of ongoing dialogue, especially as the industry continues adapting to new compliance demands under the White Paper.
This collaborative approach is showing signs of progress: according to recent SiGMA data, voluntary usage of deposit limits, reality checks, and timeout tools among BGC members rose by 22% when such features were made more visible—highlighting the link between thoughtful design and player behavior.

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Critics Push for Stronger Consumer Protections

However, consumer advocacy groups argue that dialogue alone is insufficient. They are urging opposition MPs to press for stronger regulatory safeguards, including:

• Transparency on bonus terms and promotional offers
• Accountability around player profiling
• Urgency in enforcing affordability checks, which remain under consultation

They warn that without clear implementation, risks tied to unregulated rewards and delayed oversight will persist.

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Political Crossroads for Policy and Player Protection

Huddleston’s return places him at the heart of multiple politically sensitive gambling reforms, including:

• The future of the gambling levy used to fund UK horse racing
• Finalization of affordability checks
• Disputed tax harmonization proposals, which some fear may unfairly penalize land-based operators

As explored in recent SiGMA coverage, the industry’s concern isn’t just about tax rates, but the risk of treating fundamentally different gambling products with a one-size-fits-all approach.

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Affordability Checks: Public Health vs. Practicality

Still under consultation, proposed affordability checks would require operators to assess a customer’s financial vulnerability before extended play.
While supported by public health groups, operators warn that vague criteria and privacy challenges could undermine the intent and create operational confusion.

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Policy Legacy and Continuity Signals

Huddleston has previously shown support for grassroots sports and digital innovation—balancing economic contribution with player protection.
In a turbulent regulatory climate, his reappointment is viewed by many as a symbol of policy continuity, offering a familiar face amid widespread uncertainty.

The BGC also took the opportunity to thank Stuart Andrew, whose role during the White Paper’s finalization was described as “pragmatic and policy-focused.”

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Industry at a Turning Point

With Nigel Huddleston now overseeing gambling in the shadow cabinet, the industry enters a critical phase:

• Affordability checks remain unresolved
• Tax coordination proposals are divisive
• Enforcement timelines are approaching

Familiarity may bring stability—but progress will depend on whether Huddleston can offer clear decisions in a sector tired of prolonged consultation.