UKGC Seeks a New Chair as Leadership Transition Looms
Background on UKGC Leadership
The United Kingdom’s Gambling Commission (UKGC) has operated without a permanent chair for over a year, with Charles Counsell OBE serving as the interim leader during this period. This leadership gap is soon coming to an end as the UKGC opens the application process to find a new permanent chair.
Interim Chair’s Contributions
In February 2025, Charles Counsell assumed the role of Interim Chair, succeeding Marcus Boyle. Throughout his interim tenure, Counsell has overseen key initiatives, including driving the ongoing implementation of reforms stemming from the Gambling Act White Paper Review. His leadership helped foster constructive dialogue between industry participants and policymakers, ensuring that stakeholder feedback was actively considered.
One notable development under his guidance is the upcoming removal of all non-compliant gaming machines from land-based venues slated for July. Additionally, Counsell played a significant role in the UKGC’s engagement during last year’s Treasury consultation on gambling taxes, a topic that has sparked intense industry debate.
Tax Changes Impacting the Gambling Industry
Last year, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, announced a substantial increase in the Remote Gaming Duty—from 21% up to 40%. This tax rise faced strong opposition from gambling companies, with many seeing their share values drop sharply, some by as much as 20%. The horse racing sector, a beloved sport in the UK, was exempted from this tax increase.
Challenges Ahead for the New UKGC Chair
The new chair will inherit a complex and dynamic regulatory landscape, as evidenced by Counsell’s navigation of recent challenges. The role demands a leader capable of building trust across the gambling sector, effectively collaborating with diverse stakeholders, and maintaining impartiality to uphold high industry standards.
The successful candidate will also be expected to work closely with the UK National Lottery to ensure smooth operation. The current operator, Allwyn, took over running the National Lottery two years ago and immediately launched a significant marketing campaign. Their contract extends through 2034, marking a decade of commitment.
Application Details and Commitment
The UKGC is accepting applications for the Chair position until March 14. Although the role officially requires a commitment of two days per week, the fast-paced and evolving nature of the UK gambling sector suggests the position will be demanding and require considerable dedication.
