The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has kicked off its annual Grand National betting charity campaign for the 2024 races, with ambitious plans to surpass previous fundraising efforts. This year, the industry lobby group aims to involve over 50 Members of Parliament (MPs) from various political parties, a notable increase from the 40 MPs who participated last year.
As part of the initiative, each MP will receive £50 to place bets at local bookmakers. Any winnings will be generously donated to a charity of the winning bidder's choice. BGC is determined to surpass last year's donation total, which saw just under £11,000 raised for charitable causes. Additionally, £13,500 was contributed overall, inclusive of £250 donations from MPs whose bets were not successful.
Highlighting the global significance of the Grand National, BGC emphasized that the event captivates audiences worldwide, with an estimated 600 million viewers across 140 countries. In the UK alone, a staggering 13 million individuals have already placed bets on their preferred contenders, underscoring the race's widespread popularity and appeal.