UKGC Has Opened Applications in Search of a New Chair

For over a year now, the United Kingdom’s Gambling Commission (UKGC) hasn’t had a permanent leader, instead having the role filled by a temporary chairman in the face of Charles Counsell OBE. However, this is about to change in the next few months, as the regulator is now accepting applications for a new head.

UKGC Is Looking for a New Leader

In February, 2025, Counsell took the mantle of duties from the previous Chair, Marcus Boyle. During his one-year tenure as Interim Chair, Counsell has guided the UKGC through the ongoing implementation of the Gambling Act White Paper Review. This has greatly facilitated dialogue between the industry and policymakers while actively integrating stakeholder feedback.

The most recent update in this process saw the UKGC announce that all non-compliant gaming machines will be removed from land-based venues in July. Counsell is also likely to have been involved in the UKGC’s engagement with the industry during last year’s Treasury consultation on taxes, which sparked a frequently intense debate.

Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, announced last year a major increase in Remote Gaming Duty from 21% to 40%. Naturally, this did not sit too well with gambling companies, as the shares of many of them significantly dropped, some seeing a decline of up to 20%. Only horse racing, a sport quite popular in the UK, was spared from the tax hike.

What Will Be Expected of the New UKGC Chair?

Counsell, having to navigate the UKGC through turbulent times, is a great example of the difficulties and obligations that the future Chair of the regulator will face. According to the listing, the successful candidate must show that they can earn the trust of companies and organizations across the gambling industry. The role requires strong collaboration with a range of stakeholders, while also demanding the ability to maintain enough independence to be perceived as impartial and as a driver of industry standards.

The listing also highlights the requirement to work closely with the UK National Lottery and to ensure its effective operation. Its current operator, Allwyn, took over the UK’s national lottery in February two years ago, launching a large marketing campaign almost instantly after that. Its contract is 10 years, and it will end in 2034.

Applications for the role of UKGC Chair will remain open until March 14. The UKGC explains that the time commitment is two days per week. However, as we already saw, the rapidly evolving nature of the UK gambling sector is likely to make for a very full and demanding schedule.