Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies recently visited his local William Hill shop in Prestatyn to place a £50 charity bet on the 2023 Grand National, with all the winnings going to the charity of his choice, St Kentigern Hospice in St Asaph.
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), the standards body for the regulated UK betting and gaming industry, invited MPs to visit either a Paddy Power, William Hill, Ladbrokes, Coral, Betfred or independent betting shop in their constituency to place their charity bet ahead of the world’s greatest steeplechase.
James has backed ‘Any Second Now’ and ‘Born by the Sea’.
But, even if James’ horses don't come in, the Betting and Gaming Council members will be making a donation to his nominated charity.
The Grand National is the most popular horse race in the world and this year takes place on Saturday 15th April. It is watched by around 600 million people across 140 countries, and it is estimated over 13m adults in the UK will be placing a bet on it.
Betting shops support 42,000 jobs on the UK’s hard-pressed high streets, contribute £800 million a year in tax to the Treasury and another £60m in business rates to local councils.
Meanwhile, a study by ESA Retail found that 89 per cent of betting shop customers combine their trip to the bookies with visits to other local businesses.
James said:
"The Grand National is one of those great sporting moments when the whole nation comes together. I welcomed visiting a local William Hill betting shop to meet the staff and customers, take them up on their generous offer of a charity bet and also discuss the incredibly important work they have been doing on safer gambling.
“Betting shops employ tens of thousands on hard-pressed high streets and support our local economy through business rates contributions. And for regulars, they provide a community.
"I will be cheering on my horses on Saturday In the hope of raising vital funds for St Kentigern Hospice, which provides first rate care and support for patients with a life limiting illness across North East Wales."
Michael Dugher, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, stated:
"Millions of people, from all different backgrounds, will be coming together to watch the Grand National and place a bet on the world’s most famous horserace. Betting shops support tens of thousands of jobs, bring vital revenue to the UK’s hard-pressed high streets and support the national and local economies through tax and business rates. They also provide community to millions of betting and gaming fans.
"I also want to say a huge thanks to all MPs, including James, who have made the time and effort to meet with their local constituents working in high street shops, for backing so many good causes and local charities, and for promoting the Grand National which remains one of Britain’s biggest and best cultural and sporting events seen around the world”.
According to industry research conducted by the Betting and Gaming Council approximately £250m will be staked on the main event. The Grand National is expected to generate £3m in tax revenues for the Treasury and £2m in horse racing levy to support the sport.
Last month, James again met ARA (Addiction Recovery Agency) for All, whose mission is to keep people safe from gambling harm. He encourages all with concerns for their own wellbeing or that of others to seek support.
