10 Women Rising in Gaming
Grainne Hurst
Company, position: CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council
Years of experience in the gaming industry: 10+
Hometown: London
What was your first job in the gaming industry? Did you have previous experience in other industries? What drew you to gaming?
I joined Ladbrokes in 2015 in London but had experience in the sports betting industry from a personal standpoint and also a regulatory one from previous roles I had completed in the UK Parliament.
Were you familiar with gambling, casinos, sports betting or any of the other facets of the industry before you started? Did anything surprise you about the industry when you first started?
Yes, on the sports betting front as a regular gambler on horse racing, football and politics. I was surprised in 2015 about how much I didn’t know about the industries ESG credentials being a general punter and was hooked from the second I started researching for my interview!
What do you like about working in gaming? What is it about the industry that keeps you engaged? What is unique about it?
I love the complexity of issues in our sector, the global remit but above all the people and camaraderie that I get from my fellow colleagues and particularly my time with Global Gaming Women. I have genuinely made true friendships that will last a lifetime and enrich me both personally and professionally.
What advice do you have for women seeking careers in gaming?
If you like a fast-paced environment with lots of issues-rich concepts to get to grips with, in a friendly bit sometimes challenging environment, then there is nowhere better to work.
What are your long-term goals? What do you hope to accomplish?
I would love to see our industry thrive in a more diverse and inclusive way with more females in senior positions who can then champion the younger generation – as you can’t be what you can’t see.
Do you think there is a personality type that’s well suited for this industry? What personality traits do you possess that help you in this industry?
Those who like a fast pace, an ever-evolving landscape, and who like a fun environment with great camaraderie.
What do you wish you would have known starting out in gaming?
How interconnected the industry is globally and how many opportunities there are within our sector.
Do you have any resource recommendations/suggestions for other people who desire a career in gaming?
Network as much as you possibly can and join Global Gaming Women to expand your connections!
How do/did you overcome adversity in the industry?
By building a strong support network, both at home in friends and family but also with other like-minded men and women within the industry who can be my sounding board and help advise me on the right path to take when I am unsure. I have genuinely made friends for life through my work with Global Gaming Women and that network is priceless!
