Charities to share £1.25 million from bookmakers' Britannia fundraiser

A seven-figure sum is set to be split between a number of UK charities following a Royal Ascot fundraiser organised by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC).

Prostate Cancer UK, Marie Curie, three Armed Forces charities and Care Radio will receive a share of £1.25 million from the profits made by participating bookmakers following Perotto's 18-1 success in the Britannia Stakes last Thursday.

BGC chief executive Michael Dugher said: "I'm absolutely thrilled by the amount raised by this fantastic initiative at Royal Ascot. This money will make a huge difference to the incredible work done by the charities involved.

"I'd like to thank all the BGC members who took part – as well as their customers who enjoyed a flutter on the race – for their generosity in supporting some really great causes."

It is the second time the industry has held a fundraiser based on the Britannia Stakes, but this year's total has eclipsed the figure of £250,000 given out in 2020 when bookmakers actually made a loss on the race when the well-supported 9-2 shot Khaloosy led home 11-4 favourite Finest Sound.

Khaloosy: won the previous running of the BritanniaCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Ascot's managing director Alastair Warwick said: "We’re delighted that Royal Ascot has once again played a part in raising valuable funds for these deserving charities.

"I know this fantastic initiative from the betting industry is hugely appreciated and the money will be used for some extremely worthwhile causes."

Flutter (Paddy Power, Betfair, Sky Bet), bet365, Entain (Ladbrokes, Coral), William Hill, Unibet, BetVictor, Betway, Grosvenor Sport, Livescore Bet, Virgin Bet, the Tote, Fitzdares and Sporting Index signed up to the fundraising initiative.

Last year the betting industry also raised £2.9m for NHS charities through betting on the Virtual Grand National, which took place during the first lockdown.

Read more:

Bookmakers donate £250,000 to Covid and cancer charities despite Britannia loss

Bookies to donate Britannia profits to Covid-19 and cancer charities

Huge payout for NHS charities thanks to bets on 2020 Virtual Grand National

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