Ruth Evans Appointed UK Gambling Commission Chair for Five-Year Term

LONDON – Ruth Evans has been appointed Chair of the UK Gambling Commission for a five-year term beginning Sept. 30.

Evans will take over as the regulator develops a new strategy, continues implementing Gambling Act Review reforms and expands its work against illegal gambling.

Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy appointed Evans under the Gambling Act 2005. She succeeds Charles Counsell, who has served as interim chair since February 2025 following the departure of Marcus Boyle.

The government’s official appointment announcement describes Evans as a regulatory and consumer protection specialist with more than four decades of experience across public bodies, charities and financial oversight organizations.

Consumer Protection Experience Shapes Appointment

Evans currently chairs Stop Scams UK, which brings together financial services, technology and telecommunications companies to combat fraud. She previously chaired the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority and was the first chair of the Bar Standards Board.

Her other regulatory roles have included nine years as a lay member of the General Medical Council, where she chaired its Standards and Ethics Committee, and a non-executive directorship at the Serious Fraud Office. She was also recently appointed chair of the Criminal Legal Aid Advisory Board.

“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,” Evans said. She also identified collaboration between regulators, the gambling industry and technology companies as an important part of her approach.

Evans Arrives During Regulatory Changes

The appointment comes during a period of senior leadership change at the Commission. Executive Director Tim Miller is also leaving the regulator in September after 10 years, creating another significant transition as the organization continues implementing changes across Britain’s regulated gambling market.

Interim Chair Counsell said Evans joins at an important point as the Commission develops its next strategy, increases efforts against illegal gambling and completes its part in implementing the Gambling Act Review. Those priorities place online safety, consumer protection and regulatory enforcement among the issues Evans will inherit when her term begins.

Nandy said Evans was taking the position at an “incredibly important time” for balancing a sustainable gambling industry with protections designed to prevent harm. She also thanked Counsell for leading the regulator during his period as interim chair.

Five-Year Term Begins September 30

Evans’ appointment runs for five years from Sept. 30. The chair receives £85,000 annually for a commitment of two days per week, according to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

The appointment was made under the Cabinet Office Governance Code on Public Appointments following an assessment process involving departmental and independent panel members. The government said Evans declared no significant political activity during the previous five years.

Her first months in the position will coincide with continued work on the Commission’s new strategy and remaining Gambling Act Review measures. Evans will also lead the board as the regulator continues enforcement against unlicensed gambling and develops its approach to consumer protection across an increasingly digital market.

RELATED TOPICS: Regulation