The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), an industry body for the UK regulated betting and gaming sector, has announced historic personal bookmaker Fitzdares as its latest member.
Fitzdares, which has operated since 1882, will now work alongside the BGC and its network of members to influence decision-making in the UK industry.
The bookmaker allows customers to place bets via its official app, website, live chat, SMS, email and telephone, while in 2020 it also opened its first “Fitzdares Club” in Mayfair, a venue for members to watch live sport.
Earlier this year, Fitzdares launched its second location in the Cotswolds, complete with an 18-hole golf course.
“As a medium-sized independent and boutique business, we wanted our voice heard,” Fitzdares chief executive William Woodhams said. “The BGC gives us the opportunity to be at the table where the key decisions are being made in UK gaming.”
Fitzdares this year also announced its expansion into the Ontario regulated market, being one of the first operators to receive a licence.
Confirmation of Fitzdares as a new member comes after the BGC earlier this week called on Great Britain’s next prime minister to tackle rising energy prices that could have a potentially “catastrophic” impact on the land-based gambling sector.
Energy prices in Britain have rocketed in recent months, while the price cap on bills is expected to rise again in the autumn and further in January next year, with businesses reportedly facing an average price increase of approximately 300% on existing rates.
BGC chief executive Michael Dugher warned that if these prices hikes were to go ahead as planned, it could harm land-based gambling operations across Britain and lead to job losses.
