MPs will once again take part in a Grand National charity bet initiative, looking to raise thousands of pounds for local charities.
Over 50 MPs and peers will be invited by the Betting & Gaming Council to wager £50 on their picks for the big race, with all winnings set to go to charity.
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It’s an initiative that raised over £15,000 in 2024, with the hopes that total is topped this year.
And picking a loser doesn’t mean the chosen charity loses out.
The BGC will provide a £250 donation if their selected horse doesn’t win on April 5, meaning every charity chosen will benefit.
The world’s most famous horse race is a huge betting heat, made tough by the massive field of 34 runners popping over 30 fences.
The Members of Parliament were invited to visit Paddy Power, William Hill, Ladbrokes, Coral, Betfred or local independent betting shops JenningsBet, Corbett Bookmakers, and others, in their constituencies to stake their £50, where bagging a winner could mean a sizeable donation to their charity.
It is forecasted by industry experts that as much as £250 million will be staked on the Grand National this year, which generates somewhere in the region of £3 million in tax revenue for the UK Treasury.
BGC members provide an estimated 46,000 retail jobs and MPs are set to spend time with staff to learn more about the Safer Gambling measures in place.
Betting and Gaming Council CEO, Grainne Hurst, said: “The Grand National is one of the very few global sporting occasions with the power to bring the whole nation together, spurred on by the history, the heritage and the incredible spectacle it offers.
“It truly is the nation’s punt, and we are absolutely delighted to work alongside our amazing members to ensure the Grand National once again also supports some amazing charities.
“Bookmakers are the beating heart of this country’s highstreets, generating jobs, taxes and crucial investment. They also provide community to millions of customers, many of whom will be visiting their bookie to witness the Grand National.
“I want to extend a massive thanks to all the MPs and peers who have taken time out to meet with staff, for taking part, and helping to raise thousands of pounds for good causes.
“The Grand National is one of this nation’s greatest cultural exports, and I’m thrilled to see parliamentarians once more back racing, their local bookmakers and good causes, best of luck to all.”
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – gamcare.org.uk
- GambleAware – GambleAware.org
Read our guide on responsible gambling practices.
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
