Southeast Asia News Desk

(AsiaGameHub) –   The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has overhauled its senior leadership team amid fresh disputes and lobbying conflicts over gambling regulation and taxation in the UK.

Kane Purdy, Managing Director of Gamesys Operations, has been appointed as the BGC’s new non-executive Chair. He assumes the role at the betting industry trade body with immediate effect, succeeding long-serving Chair Michael Dugher.

Dugher, a former Labour MP for Barnsley East, stepped down from the position in January 2026.

During his tenure, he led the organisation through a challenging regulatory phase for UK gambling, including the 2020–2023 review of the 2005 Gambling Act and the intense tax debates of the previous year.

Purdy takes the helm at a time when the sector faces equally tough regulatory and financial challenges. The industry is adapting to the new tax regime launched in April 2026 and is also responding to calls from MPs and Lords for reforms to advertising and local licensing rules.

“Kane brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and talent to this role, honed over two decades in the industry,” commented Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive Officer of the BGC.

“He is a widely respected leader with a deep understanding of both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with operating in a regulated environment. He has also shown a strong commitment to collaboration, helping 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.”

Before joining Gamesys, Purdy worked at BetVictor from 2006 to 2008 as an IT Service Delivery Manager and at Betfred from 2008 to 2009 as an Operations Manager.

He took on the Managing Director role at Gamesys in 2013 following a three-year stint at the now-defunct online and telephone operator Stan James.

“I am honoured and delighted to take on the role of Chair of the Betting and Gaming Council,” Purdy stated.

“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 collaborating closely with Grainne and the team, as well as with members across the industry, to build on the strong progress already made and help shape the future direction of the BGC.”

At the BGC Annual Summit in February, Grainne Hurst noted that the trade body would continue to lobby for sustainable industry governance, with members ready to work alongside authorities to tackle the growing encroachment of the black market – something the BGC views as the “next generational threat to the UK gambling sector.”