Betting industry backs ex-offenders with £30,000 charity donation for jobs
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has donated £30,000 to Tempus Novo, a charity supporting prisoners in finding jobs after release. The funding comes from the BGC’s annual Britannia Stakes charity initiative at Royal Ascot, which raised £450,000 this year. The Britannia Stakes programme has been running since 2017 and has now raised over £3.6 million for various causes. This year, seven charities, including Tempus Novo, received a share of the £450,000 donation.
Tempus Novo CEO Steve Freer explained that the money will help people with convictions secure long-term employment. Labour MP Lee Pitcher also praised the charity’s work, calling it life-changing and a source of hope for many. The Britannia Stakes race day saw five favourites win, a result that usually creates financial difficulties for bookmakers. Earlier in the year, the BGC had raised concerns about proposed tax reforms that would set betting duties at 21%, leading to a one-day strike by British racing in protest. In September, the organisation also launched a campaign warning about the risks of illegal gambling sites.
The £30,000 grant will support Tempus Novo’s efforts to reduce reoffending through employment. The charity’s work aligns with broader criminal justice reforms aimed at helping ex-offenders reintegrate into society. The BGC’s donation reflects its ongoing commitment to funding social impact initiatives through its charity programmes.
