BGC Members Mark Platinum Jubilee with Royal Ascot Donations

Celebrating The Queen’s 70^th year on the throne, Britain’s bookies will donate their profits from the Britannia Stakes race at Royal Ascot to charity.

According to the Betting and Gaming Council, several big-name British gambling brands including Entain and bet365 have signed up for the initiative.

In this year that marks Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, BGC members will donate their proceeds from the Britannia Stakes race, set to run on 16 June, to some of the UK’s top charities.

These include ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, Sue Ryder, Ascot Racecourse Supports Community Fund, The Ivors Academy Trust and Cotswold Riding for the Disabled.

Caroline Graham, Director of Fundraising at Sue Ryder, commented: “Sue Ryder is delighted to be chosen to be one of the charities that benefits from the Britannia Stakes at the Royal Ascot to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee.

“Her Majesty has been Sue Ryder’s patron since 1993, so it makes it even more special to be one of the charities involved this year.”

After deducting levy or duties, all win and every-way bets from participating brands will go to support the big-field heritage handicap. If any operator doesn’t turn a profit on the race, they have agreed to make a donation regardless.

This initiative follows on from last year’s Britannia Stakes fundraising drive, that saw £1.25m ($1.57m) generated for good causes.

“I am absolutely delighted that the BGC’s largest members are once again raising vital funds at the royal meeting for some of the country’s top charities, especially in this the year of the Queen’s Jubilee,” said Michael Dugher, BGC CEO.

“Her Majesty’s passion for racing is known across the globe. It’s a sport that has the power to bring people together and Royal Ascot is one of the great highlights of the calendar.”