The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has revamped its senior leadership amid a new fallout and lobbying battle around gambling regulation and tax in the UK.
Kane Purdy, the Managing Director of Gamesys Operations, has been named the new non-executive Chair of the BGC. He will take on the role as Chair of the betting industry trade body with immediate effect, taking over from long-time Chair Michael Dugher.
Dugher, former Labour MP for Barnsley East, retired from the role in January 2026.
He had chaired the organisation through a challenging regulatory period for UK gambling, notably the 2020-2023 review of the 2005 Gambling Act and the heated debates around taxation last year.
Purdy takes charge during an equally challenging regulatory and financial position for the sector. The industry is adjusting to the new tax regime introduced in April 2026 and is also contending with calls for reform on advertising and local licensing rules from MPs and Lords.
“Kane brings a huge amount of experience, expertise and talent to this role, built over two decades in the industry,” said Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive Officer of the BGC.
“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.”
Prior to working for Gamesys, Purdy worked for BetVictor between 2006-2008 as an IT Service Delivery Manager and at Betfred between 2008-2009 as an Operations Manager.
He took on the Managing Director role at Gamesys in 2013 after a three year stint with 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 remarked.
“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.”
At the BGC Annual Summit in February, Grainne Hurst stated that the trade body would continue to lobby for sustainable industry governance of, with members ready to work alongside authorities to tackle the growing encroachment of the black market – something the BGC sees as the “next generational threat to the UK gambling sector.”
