UK Gambling Commission Opens Chair Position Applications

The UK Gambling Commission has opened applications for a permanent Chair position after operating under interim leadership for more than a year.

Charles Counsell OBE has held the interim role since February 2025, taking over from former Chair Marcus Boyle. During his tenure, Counsell has overseen the continued implementation of reforms arising from the Gambling Act White Paper Review, engaging with government officials, industry representatives, and stakeholders across the gambling sector.

Recent Regulatory Developments

Recent regulatory activity under Counsell’s leadership has included confirmation that all non-compliant gaming machines must be removed from land-based venues by July this year. The Commission has also been actively engaged with the industry during last year’s Treasury consultation on gambling taxation.

Following that consultation, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves announced a significant increase in Remote Gaming Duty from 21% to 40%, while abolishing bingo duty and maintaining existing tax rates for horse racing.

Role Requirements and Expectations

The recruitment advertisement emphasizes the demanding nature of the Chair position and the leadership capabilities required. “The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate that they can command the confidence of the companies and organisations within the gambling industry,” the listing states.

The Commission specified that the Chair must maintain close working relationships with diverse stakeholders while remaining independent and committed to raising standards across the sector.

Key qualities sought in candidates include:

• Integrity and understanding of corporate governance
• Ability to lead an organization in a high-profile and emotive policy area
• Impartial and independent judgement
• Strong relationship building and communication skills
• Sound political judgement
• Commercial experience and expertise

Position Details

The role offers remuneration of £59,950 per year for a time commitment of two days per week. The position is based in the West Midlands, though the Commission notes that the scale of ongoing reforms across the UK gambling sector is likely to result in substantial workload demands.

The successful candidate will work closely with the operator of the UK National Lottery, currently Allwyn, which holds a 10-year licence running until 2034.

Applications close at 11:59pm on 14 March 2025.

Challenges Ahead

The incoming Chair will face significant challenges as the Commission works with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to implement recommendations from the Gambling Act Review White Paper. The recruitment materials describe this period as “a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make gambling safer, fairer and crime free.”

Key priorities will include managing the impact of recent tax changes on the industry, addressing investment uncertainty, supporting the horse racing sector, overseeing advertising reforms in football, combating illegal gambling activity, and ensuring robust protections for vulnerable players.

The Chair will support the government’s plan for change, balancing a regulatory environment that enables economic growth while protecting children and vulnerable people from gambling-related harm.

Source: UK Gambling Commission