BGC names Simon Clare as its Horserace Betting Levy Board representative
Experienced Entain figure named as HBLB’s newest addition, with BGC CEO insisting Simon Clare’s “wisdom and knowledge” will prove crucial to the levy board
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has named Simon Clare as its appointee to the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB).
Clare, Entain customer communications director, officially succeeded Mike O’Kane today, 7 October.
The HBLB, which is run by a board of seven members, including one appointment from the BGC to represent bookmakers, oversees the distribution of a portion of profits from operators to contribute to the improvement of horseracing.
Clare brings plenty of experience to his new post. His first role in the industry was an executive assistant title with the British Horseracing Board in June 1993, where he spent three years and three months before moving to Ladbrokes as PR manager in August 1996.
Since then, Clare has worked exclusively for Entain brands Coral and Ladbrokes.
Notable positions during his 28-year career in the gambling sector include trading director at Gala Coral Group for 14 years, before the Ladbrokes and Coral merger in 2016 saw Clare take on the role of PR and sponsorship director for the combined company until June 2018.
Following Entain’s purchase of Ladbrokes Coral in 2018, Clare became Entain Group’s director of consumer PR and sponsorship for UK-based brands.
On his appointment to the HBLB, Clare said: 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.
“I have been fortunate to have enjoyed a long and varied career within the betting industry with Coral, now Entain, alongside a lifelong passion for horseracing and all major sports, so will hopefully be able to make a valuable contribution to the board.”
Grainne Hurst, BGC CEO, echoed the sentiment and added: “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. I know his wisdom and knowledge will be crucial assets to the HBLB over the coming years.”
Hurst continued, praising outgoing O’Kane for his impact: “I would also like to pay tribute to Mike O’Kane who has been an excellent representative to the HBLB, on behalf of BGC members,” she said.
“Over his time with the HBLB, Mike has brought a strong voice for the sector to the board at a time of significant change for racing and also record levy contributions. We wish Mike well in the future and are delighted to welcome Simon to the HBLB.”
It is estimated that, per year, BGC members are responsible for contributing £350m towards British horseracing when factoring in the levy, media rights and sponsorship deals.
Figures released in May by? revealed the HBLB received a record contribution of £105m from BGC members for last year, representing a £5m increase on the previous year’s payment, which in turn allowed the HBLB to increase its prize money contribution for 2024 by £3.2m.
Currently, the statutory levy sits at 10% of bookmakers’ gross profits on British horseracing above the first £500,000, though the government is exploring a potential change to the system.
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