The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has made a significant announcement, appointing Simon Clare to the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB), a key body in the regulation and financial support of the UK’s horseracing industry. Clare, a seasoned veteran with over 30 years of experience in the betting and horseracing sectors, replaces Mike O’Kane, who previously represented the BGC on the board.
Simon Clare Appointed to Horserace Betting Levy Board by BGC
An Industry Expert at the Helm
Simon Clare’s extensive background in the world of betting and horseracing makes him an ideal candidate for this role. Starting his career on The Jockey Club Graduate Scheme, Clare has a deep understanding of the horseracing industry’s intricacies, having previously worked at both the Jockey Club and the British Horseracing Board. His experience extends to some of the UK’s largest bookmakers, including Ladbrokes and Coral, where he played a key role following their merger in 2016, handling PR, Sponsorship, and Social Media for the combined entity.
Currently, Clare serves as the Customer Communications Director for Entain’s UK brands, a role that reflects his leadership and expertise in connecting with customers while managing public relations. His rich history with Entain, formerly Coral, has equipped him with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of the betting industry and horseracing.
BGC’s Representation on the Horserace Betting Levy Board
The Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB), a critical institution within the UK racing industry, is tasked with collecting a statutory levy from bookmakers’ horseracing business revenues. These funds are then invested in areas such as veterinary science, improving breeding, and the overall enhancement of horseracing in the UK. Having a representative from the BGC on the board ensures that the interests of bookmakers are well-represented, and Clare’s election marks a significant step in maintaining this essential connection between the betting and racing industries.
Mike O’Kane, who previously held this role, was instrumental in voicing the concerns of the betting sector during his tenure. O’Kane’s contributions came at a time of significant changes in the racing industry, and his leadership helped navigate these shifts while overseeing record levy contributions from bookmakers.
Record Contributions from the Betting Industry
In May 2024, it was reported that members of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) contributed a record-breaking £105 million ($137.4 million) in levy payments to the HBLB for the past year. This figure marks an impressive £5 million increase from the previous year, reflecting a robust partnership between the betting sector and the horseracing industry.
This rise in contributions is the third consecutive annual increase, underscoring the importance of the betting industry’s continued support of horseracing. Clare’s appointment to the HBLB comes at a crucial time when levy contributions are reaching new heights, and his expertise will be vital in maintaining this upward trend.
Leadership in Challenging Times
Clare’s extensive background and passion for horseracing are expected to play a pivotal role in the continued success of the HBLB. His appointment is widely regarded as a move that will help strengthen the ties between the betting industry and horseracing, particularly in an era of evolving regulations and changing market conditions.
Grainne Hurst, CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council, expressed her enthusiasm for Clare’s appointment, stating, “We’re delighted Simon is joining the HBLB. He brings an unrivalled wealth of experience from his many years with Ladbrokes and Coral, where he has become respected as a vocal and passionate champion of the sport.”
This sentiment highlights the confidence the BGC has in Clare’s ability to lead in an ever-changing landscape. His previous roles with Entain, Coral, and Ladbrokes demonstrate his capacity to navigate the challenges facing both the betting and horseracing industries, and his deep understanding of customer engagement and public relations will be invaluable as he steps into this new position.
A Promising Future for the Horserace Betting Levy Board
Simon Clare’s election to the Horserace Betting Levy Board marks the beginning of a new chapter for both the BGC and the racing industry. His passion for horseracing, combined with his decades of experience in the betting sector, ensures that he will bring a fresh perspective to the HBLB.
Clare himself expressed his excitement at joining the board, saying, “I am extremely honoured to be joining the Horserace Betting Levy Board as the betting representative. Mike O’Kane will be a hard act to follow, and I would like to thank him for the great contribution he has made in his time in the role.”
With Clare’s leadership, the HBLB is expected to continue its work in advancing the interests of bookmakers and supporting the growth of the horseracing industry through well-managed levy contributions.
Conclusion: The Appointment
Simon Clare’s election to the Horserace Betting Levy Board signals a bright future for both the betting and horseracing industries. His vast experience, combined with his long-standing passion for horseracing, positions him as a strong advocate for bookmakers while supporting the continued success of the HBLB’s initiatives. As levy contributions continue to rise, Clare’s leadership will be crucial in guiding the board through the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
With his track record of success in customer communications, public relations, and sponsorship, Clare’s role on the HBLB is set to reinforce the strong relationship between the betting sector and horseracing, ensuring the continued prosperity of both industries.
FAQs About Simon Clare Appointed to Horserace Betting Levy Board by BGC
1. Who is Simon Clare?
Simon Clare is an experienced professional in the betting and horseracing sectors, having spent nearly 30 years in the industry. He currently serves as the Customer Communications Director for Entain UK brands and has previously worked with major organizations such as Ladbrokes, Coral, and the Jockey Club.
2. What is the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB)?
The HBLB is a statutory body in the UK that collects a levy from bookmakers’ horseracing revenues. The funds collected are used to improve various aspects of horseracing, including breeding, veterinary science, and overall enhancement of the sport.
3. What role does Simon Clare have in the HBLB?
Simon Clare has been appointed as the betting representative from the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) to the HBLB, where he will represent the interests of bookmakers on the board.
4. What were Simon Clare’s responsibilities before joining the HBLB?
Before his election to the HBLB, Clare was involved in public relations, sponsorship, and social media at Ladbrokes and Coral following their merger. He has also participated in various roles within the Jockey Club and the British Horseracing Board.
5. Who did Simon Clare replace on the HBLB?
Clare replaced Mike O’Kane, who previously represented the BGC on the HBLB and played a significant role in advocating for the betting sector during his tenure.
6. How much did BGC members contribute to the HBLB in the past year?
BGC members contributed a record £105 million ($137.4 million) in levy payments to the HBLB for the past year, marking an increase of £5 million from the previous year and indicating a growing financial commitment from the betting sector.
7. What is the significance of Clare’s appointment?
Clare’s appointment is significant as it reinforces the relationship between the betting and horseracing industries, particularly during a time of regulatory changes and evolving market conditions. His experience is expected to be a valuable asset for the HBLB.
8. What does Grainne Hurst, CEO of the BGC, say about Clare’s appointment?
Grainne Hurst expressed her delight in Clare joining the HBLB, highlighting his wealth of experience and his reputation as a passionate advocate for horseracing. She acknowledged the contributions of Mike O’Kane during his time on the board.
9. What does Simon Clare hope to achieve in his new role?
Clare aims to make a valuable contribution to the HBLB by leveraging his extensive experience in the betting industry and his lifelong passion for horseracing. He hopes to follow in the footsteps of Mike O’Kane and effectively represent the interests of bookmakers.
10. How does Clare’s background influence his perspective on the HBLB?
Clare’s background in customer communications and his long-standing involvement in the betting and horseracing sectors provide him with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing both industries, which will inform his approach as a board member.
