This year’s Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot served as a powerful vehicle for charitable giving, as members of the UK’s Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) once again united for their flagship philanthropic initiative, donating a total of £450,000 in race profits to a range of charities.
This marks the sixth consecutive year of the successful program, which has now generated a cumulative total of over £3.6 million for good causes.
The 2025 running of the race provided a compelling narrative, with champion jockey Oisin Murphy riding Arabian Story to a celebrated victory.
The substantial donation was achieved despite what proved to be a financially difficult day for many bookmakers. With five favourites winning in other races across the card, operators faced significant payout liabilities.
Nevertheless, the industry’s prior commitment held firm, with all remaining profits from win and each-way wagers on the Britannia Stakes being dedicated to the charity pool after the deduction of taxes and levies.
The initiative saw broad participation from a “who’s who” of the industry, demonstrating a unified front on social responsibility.
Major operators, including Flutter (Paddy Power, Betfair, Sky Bet), Entain (Ladbrokes, Coral), 888 William Hill, Kindred (Unibet), Betway, and the Rank Group have all contributed to the final sum.
The £450,000 raised will be distributed among seven key beneficiaries whose work impacts communities across the UK. These include Prostate Cancer UK, a leading organization funding research into the disease; Missing People, which provides a lifeline for the families of those who have disappeared; the SAS Regimental Association, which supports veterans and their families; and youth-focused charities such as Racing to School and Greenhouse Sports.
Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, commented:
It’s brilliant to see BGC members once again coming together to support such a wide range of charities that make a real difference in communities right across the UK. This initiative is a testament to the industry’s collective commitment to social responsibility and continues to be a highlight of the BGC’s calendar year.
