UK Gambling Commission opens search for new chair

Summary

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has launched a recruitment campaign for a permanent Chair after more than a year with an interim incumbent. Charles Counsell OBE has served as interim Chair since February 2025, steering the Commission through continued reforms from the Gambling Act White Paper review and industry engagement on tax and regulation.

The recruitment advert stresses the high-pressure nature of the role and the need for a candidate who can command industry confidence while remaining independent. The Chair will work closely with a wide range of stakeholders and with the operator of the UK National Lottery, Allwyn. Applications close on 14 March; the role is advertised as a two-days-per-week commitment, though the workload is expected to be substantial due to ongoing reforms.

Key regulatory and sector issues mentioned include the removal of non-compliant gaming machines from land venues from July, the Treasury’s Remote Gaming Duty increase (from 21% to 40%), the abolition of bingo duty, and broader challenges such as investment uncertainty, support for horse racing, advertising reforms in football, illegal gambling and protections for vulnerable players.

Key Points

The UKGC is recruiting a permanent Chair; applications close 14 March.
Charles Counsell OBE has been interim Chair since February 2025.
All non-compliant gaming machines are due to be removed from land-based venues from July.
Treasury raised Remote Gaming Duty from 21% to 40%, and abolished bingo duty.
The Chair must command industry confidence, maintain stakeholder relationships and preserve independence.
Major challenges for the incoming Chair: tax impacts, investment uncertainty, horse racing support, football advertising reforms, illegal gambling and player protections.

Why should I read this?

Short version: the next Chair will steer the regulator through big changes that affect taxes, machines, advertising and player protections — so if you work in UK gambling (or sell to it), this will change the rules of the game. Applications shut 14 March, and the role will be busy despite the “two days a week” tag. We skimmed the detail so you don’t have to — but you should watch who gets the job.