Kane Purdy, Managing Director at Gamesys Operations Limited, has been appointed non-executive Chair of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) with immediate effect, succeeding Michael Dugher who stepped down in January after six years with the standards body.
Purdy brings more than 20 years of experience in the betting and gaming sector. The BGC Chair position rotates among member organisations on an annual basis, with each term lasting 12 months. The organisation represents a significant proportion of the regulated UK industry, covering online operators, retail bookmakers, bingo and casino businesses.
GamProtect Role Signals Player Protection Priority
Purdy’s existing industry commitments include the Chair position at GamProtect, a cross-industry programme working to build a single customer view framework for player protection across UK operators. That role is likely to shape how he approaches the BGC’s agenda during his tenure, given the increasing focus from the Gambling Commission on data sharing and safer gambling obligations.
The BGC has been a central coordinating body for UK regulatory engagement since its formation in 2019, bringing together previously separate bodies representing land-based casinos, high street bookmakers and online betting, gaming and bingo operators. Under Dugher, it steered the industry through the Gambling Act Review and the publication of the Gambling White Paper in 2023.
“Kane brings a huge amount of experience, expertise and talent to this role, built over two decades in the industry. He is a highly respected leader with a deep understanding of both the opportunities and the responsibilities that come with operating in a regulated environment. He has also demonstrated a strong commitment to collaboration, helping to drive forward initiatives that strengthen standards and protections across the sector. I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to champion our members, raise standards and support a well-regulated industry that delivers for customers, the economy and communities across the country.”
— Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive Officer, Betting and Gaming Council
Purdy’s Immediate Priorities
Purdy takes the role at a moment of sustained pressure on UK operators. The government confirmed significant gambling tax increases last November, with the online casino rate set to reach 40% and sports betting rising to 25%. The BGC has positioned itself as the primary vehicle for representing operator interests through that transition. Several major members have publicly quantified the impact: Flutter estimated a £540m hit, Entain put its annual exposure at £200m, and Evoke warned the changes would trigger job losses and push activity toward the black market.
Regulatory scrutiny has also intensified. The UKGC issued £18m in penalties during 2025, and has accelerated its programme across areas including deposit limits, cryptocurrency adoption, and the implementation of safer gambling codes stemming from the White Paper.
“I am honoured and delighted to take on the role of Chair of the Betting and Gaming Council. After 20 years in the industry, I understand the importance of working collectively to meet challenges, raise standards and ensure the regulated sector continues to thrive. I look forward to working collaboratively with Grainne and the team, as well as with members from across the industry, to build on the strong progress already made and help shape the future direction of the BGC.”
— Kane Purdy, Managing Director, Gamesys Operations Limited, and non-executive Chair, Betting and Gaming Council
Dugher, who served as the BGC’s founding CEO before becoming Chair in April 2024, departed on 14 January to join Brunswick Group as Head of its UK Public Affairs Practice. During his tenure the BGC introduced 20 safer gambling codes containing 100 new standards. The organisation’s agenda under Purdy is expected to continue along those lines, with the ongoing implementation of White Paper commitments and the industry’s response to tax changes forming the immediate policy backdrop.
Source: Betting and Gaming Council
