Ruth Evans’ appointment as the new Chair of the UK Gambling Commission (GC) comes at a vital moment for the country’s iGaming market, as industry stakeholders continue to combat illegal operators.
Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), confirmed that Evans’ five-year term as Chair will begin later this month, on 30 September. She replaces Charles Counsell, who has served as Chair on an interim basis since Marcus Boyle‘s departure in January last year.
Evans’ appointment comes at a crucial time, with UK iGaming operators battling a black market estimated to have generated $50bn in gross revenue in 2025, according to a Fincord Intelligence report recently shared by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC).
Commenting on her appointment, Evans said: “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. Throughout my career in consumer protection, I have seen that the best outcomes are achieved through effective collaboration between regulators, industry and the technology sector.’
“I look forward to working with the Commission to encourage online safety for UK citizens that strengthens consumer protections while supporting a responsible, innovative and sustainable gambling sector. By combining proportionate regulation with partnership and shared responsibility, we can build greater public confidence and create lasting benefits for consumers and the wider economy.”
Evans’ experience
Evans has vast regulatory experience spanning four decades, holding high-profile leadership positions across charities, public regulatory bodies, and financial oversight boards.
She currently serves as the Chair of Stop Scams UK and Chair of the Criminal Legal Aid Advisory Board. She has also chaired the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, the Bar Standards Board, and the General Medical Council‘s Standards and Ethics Committee, and served as a Non-Executive Director for the Serious Fraud Office.
Counsell said: “We are delighted to welcome Ruth as the new Chair of the Gambling Commission. Ruth’s regulatory and consumer experience will be invaluable to the Board as we continue our work to make gambling safer, fairer and crime-free.
“She joins the Gambling Commission at an important time for the gambling sector and the Commission. As we develop a new strategy, ramp up our world-leading work to tackle illegal gambling and complete our part in the implementation of the Gambling Act Review, Ruth’s role will be pivotal in the years ahead.”
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