Gambling Commission appoints new chair and issues key industry updates

The Gambling Commission has announced the appointment of a new chair, provided an update on its investigation into General Election betting offences, and reminded operators of upcoming changes to financial limit requirements in its latest fortnightly newsletter.

Ruth Evans appointed as Gambling Commission chair

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has confirmed the appointment of Ruth Evans as the next Chair of the Gambling Commission.

Appointed by the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, Evans will begin her five-year term on 30 September 2026. Her appointment comes as the regulator continues to oversee significant reforms across the gambling sector, including the implementation of measures arising from the Government’s Gambling Act review.

Further convictions in General Election betting investigation

The Commission has reported further developments in its investigation into betting activity linked to the UK General Election.

On 10 September, Anthony Lee pleaded guilty to two cheating offences under sections 42(1)(a) and 42(1)(b) of the Gambling Act 2005. Laura Lee, formerly Saunders, pleaded guilty to one offence of cheating under section 42(1)(a) of the Act.

The cases form part of the regulator’s ongoing work to investigate alleged betting offences connected to the timing of the General Election announcement.

New deposit limit requirements take effect this month

Online gambling operators have been reminded that further changes to the Commission’s Remote Technical Standards (RTS) financial limit requirements will come into force on 30 September 2026.

The changes build on the first phase of customer-led gambling management tools introduced in October 2025. Following feedback from stakeholders, implementation of the second phase was delayed from June 2026 to the end of September.

Under the updated rules, all online operators will be required to offer customers a deposit limit based solely on the amount paid into a gambling account over a defined period. The Commission has clarified that only this type of limit may be described as a “deposit limit”.

Operators may continue to provide additional tools, including loss limits and net deposit limits, but these must be offered alongside the mandatory gross deposit limit option.

The regulator said the changes are intended to improve consistency and clarity for consumers when selecting financial controls to manage their gambling activity.

Commission seeks proposals to reduce regulatory burdens

The Gambling Commission has issued a final reminder to gambling businesses and stakeholders to submit proposals aimed at reducing unnecessary regulatory requirements.

The initiative seeks ideas that could streamline regulation while maintaining consumer protections and supporting the licensing objectives established under the Gambling Act 2005.

Stakeholders have until 25 September to submit proposals for consideration.

New podcast explores gambling history in Great Britain

The regulator has also launched a new bite-sized podcast series, Inside the Commission: TLDR.

Designed to provide concise and accessible insights into gambling-related topics, the first episode examines the history of gambling in Great Britain. The series complements the Commission’s existing Inside the Commission podcast and is available through major podcast platforms, including YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.