The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) said more than 40 MPs will support this year’s edition of its Grand National charity bet initiative.
MPs from a number of parties will visit a local betting shop to place a BGC Charity Bet on the British showpiece racing event, which takes place on 15 April at Aintree Racecourse as part of the Grand National festival.
Each participating MP will be given £50 to bet on a horse, with all the winnings going to a charity of their choice. Should their bet not win, BGC members will make a £250 donation to the MP’s nominated charity.
MPs can visit a Paddy Power, William Hill, Ladbrokes, Coral, Betfred or local independent betting shop in their constituency to place the charity bet ahead of the race this weekend.
Levelling Up minister Dehenna Davison, shadow DCMS minister Alex Davies-Jones, minister for Enterprise Kevin Hollinrake and COP26 president Alok Sharma are among the MPs that will take part in the initiative this year.
Shadow defence secretary John Healey, former Labour cabinet minister John Spellar, former DCMS minister Caroline Dinenage and shadow apprenticeships minister Toby Perkins will also place a charity bet.
Last year’s Grand National charity bet drive raised almost £11,000 for a number of charities.
“Millions of people, from all different backgrounds, will be coming together to watch the Grand National and place a bet on the world’s most famous horserace,” BGC chief executive Michael Dugher said.
“Betting shops support tens of thousands of jobs, bring vital revenue to the UK’s hard-pressed high streets and support the national and local economies through tax and business rates. They also provide community to millions of betting and gaming fans.
“I also want to say a huge thanks to the MPs who have made the time and effort to meet with their local constituents working in high street shops, for backing so many good causes and local charities and for promoting the Grand National which remains one of Britain’s biggest and best cultural and sporting events seen around the world.”
