UK Gambling Commission gets first permanent Chair in nearly two years

The UK Gambling Commission finally has a permanent Chair. Ruth Evans, whose career spans consumer protection, financial regulation, and public accountability, was named to the post by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). She becomes the first woman to hold the role since the regulator took over full responsibility for the sector in 2007.

Evans starts on 30 September for a five-year term. She replaces Charles Counsell, who had been serving as interim Chair after Marcus Boyle stepped down in January 2025. That gap stretched past 18 months, and the appointment clears just one of the three top vacancies at the Commission. There is still no permanent Chief Executive Officer or Executive Director, following the departures of Andrew Rhodes and Tim Miller.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy announced the appointment with a clear nod to the current climate. "I am pleased to announce Ruth Evans as the incoming chair of the Gambling Commission," she said. "She becomes Chair at this incredibly important time, supporting a sustainable, thriving industry with the essential protections needed to prevent harm."

Evans doesn't come from the gambling sector. Her background is in financial oversight and consumer rights. She is best known for founding and chairing Stop Scams UK, and she spent four years at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) between 2015 and 2019. She also chaired the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) from 2016 to 2019. A UK government statement described her career as spanning over four decades, with leadership roles across charities, public regulatory bodies, and financial oversight boards.

The timing is hardly quiet. The UK betting industry is facing a wave of pressure. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has vowed to crack down on high street betting shops. Remote Gaming Duty has already jumped from 21% to 40%, a hike that has been hitting operator margins since it was implemented five months ago. General Betting Duty is set to rise from 15% to 25% next April. On top of that, there are reports of increased activity on black market sites.

Evans also steps into a regulator that has faced heavy criticism over its approach to responsible gambling. Financial Risk Assessments (FRAs) have been a particular flashpoint. The Commission has laid out a plan for them, but industry stakeholders, the Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) Committee, and politicians including Nigel Farage have all voiced concerns. Even the Commission's own staff have been questioned, with champion racehorse trainer John Gosden among those suggesting employees lack sector experience.

Despite all that, Evans sounds ready. "I am delighted to have been appointed Chair of the Gambling Commission at a time when its role in keeping gambling fair, safe and crime-free is more important than ever," she said. "Throughout my career in consumer protection, I have seen that the best outcomes are achieved through effective collaboration between regulators, industry and the technology sector."

She also laid out her approach. "I look forward to working with the Commission to encourage online safety for UK citizens that strengthen consumer protections while supporting a responsible, innovative and sustainable gambling sector," she said. "By combining proportionate regulation with partnership and shared responsibility, we can build greater public confidence and create lasting benefits for consumers and the wider economy."

The Commission still has two major hires to make. The hunt for a permanent CEO and Executive Director continues. For now, Evans starts at the end of September, and the industry will be watching closely.