Charities up and down the country are in the money after bookies donated thousands to charities after MPs from around the country joined in the Grand National action by placing charity bets.
The UK’s biggest betting operators had vowed to hand over any winnings on MP charity bets to the MP’s charity of choice. The eventual winner was 50/1 shot Noble Yeats, ridden by amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen in his final race before retirement. But now every nominated charity will receive £250 after BGC members William Hill, Ladbrokes, Coral, Paddy Power and Betfred increased the donations to these great causes.
MPs placing charity bets included Shadow Minister for Technology, Gambling and Digital Economy Alex Davies-Jones MP, Cabinet Minister and COP26 President Alok Sharma MP and shadow DWP Minister and former jockey Guy Opperman MP.
MPs were invited to visit either a Paddy Power, William Hill, Ladbrokes, Coral, Betfred or local independent betting shop in their constituency to place the charity bet, organised by the Betting and Gaming Council, the standards body for the regulated industry.
This year’s Grand National was watched on TV by 7.5 million people in the UK, with 13 million people placing bets and an estimated 600 million more watching worldwide.
Michael Dugher, the BGC’s chief executive, said: “Yet again the Grand National delivered, a brilliant race that was enjoyed by millions of punters across the UK.
“Betting shops are a huge employer and do so much to support hard-pressed high streets and local economies, it was great to see MPs from across the political divide visiting bookies across the country all in aid of good causes.
“This past weekend was a showcase for horse racing and betting, we want the Government to recognise the popularity of betting, its unique place in our national culture, and ensure they address punter’s concerns over extra checks and protect jobs in the upcoming White Paper.”
