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Gambling Commission Names Fraud Specialist as New Full-Time Chair

By jili tutorial · September 9, 2026

Gambling Commission Names Fraud Specialist as New Full-Time Chair

Overview: A New Era for UK Gambling Regulation

On Monday, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) announced that Ruth Evans has been appointed as the new full-time chair of the Gambling Commission, succeeding Charles Counsell. The appointment marks a significant shift for the regulator, as Evans brings extensive experience in fraud prevention and public protection at a time when the Commission is finalising major reforms under the Gambling Act review and ramping up efforts against illegal gambling.

Evans will officially assume the role on 30 September, commencing a five-year term. She replaces Counsell, who took over as chair in February 2025 after Marcus Boyle departed in January 2024. The transition occurs amid a broader reshuffle at the Commission, including the departure of policy and research director Tim Miller after a decade in post.

Who Is Ruth Evans? Background and Expertise

Ruth Evans is best known as the founder and chair of Stop Scams UK, an initiative launched in 2019 that unites banks, technology companies, and telecom providers to combat payment fraud. Her career has been deeply rooted in public protection and financial crime prevention, as highlighted by the DCMS.

Key Leadership Roles

This breadth of experience—spanning legal, financial, and healthcare regulation—positions Evans to tackle the multifaceted challenges facing gambling regulation, particularly the intersection of online safety, financial crime, and consumer protection.

The Transition Timeline: From Boyle to Counsell to Evans

The Gambling Commission has seen a rapid turnover in leadership over the past 18 months. Marcus Boyle stepped down in January 2024 after serving as chair since 2021. Charles Counsell, a former chief executive of The Pensions Regulator, took over in February 2025 but served only a short term before being succeeded by Evans.

The appointment of Evans as a full-time chair (as opposed to interim or part-time) signals the government’s intent to provide stable, experienced leadership during a critical period of reform. The DCMS emphasised that Evans’s background makes her “the right person at the right time.”

Key Priorities for the Gambling Commission

Ahead of his departure, Counsell noted that the Commission is developing a new strategy and intensifying work to tackle illegal gambling. Evans will play a “pivotal” role in finalising measures from the Gambling Act review’s white paper, which was published in 2023 and outlines sweeping changes to gambling laws in Great Britain.

Evans’s Stated Approach

Evans has committed to enhancing online safety through what she describes as “proportionate regulation with partnership and shared responsibility.” This involves:

DCMS Secretary’s Endorsement

Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, commented: “She becomes chair at this incredibly important time, supporting a sustainable, thriving industry with the essential protections needed to prevent harm.”

Context: The Gambling Act Review and White Paper

The Gambling Act 2005 is currently undergoing its most significant overhaul since enactment. The white paper, titled High Stakes: Gambling Reform for the Digital Age, was published in April 2023 and includes proposals such as:

Evans’s appointment arrives as the Commission works to implement these measures, many of which require secondary legislation and industry consultation. Her experience in financial crime and consumer protection is expected to influence the enforcement of affordability checks and anti-money laundering rules.

Example: APP Scams and Gambling Payments

The APP scam code that Evans helped establish requires banks to reimburse victims of fraudulently authorised payments, including those linked to gambling. This precedent could inform how the Commission approaches payment protection for gamblers who suffer losses due to unlicensed operators or predatory practices.

Industry and Regulatory Implications

The appointment is likely to be welcomed by both consumer advocates and legitimate operators, given Evans’s reputation for measured, evidence-based regulation. However, some concerns remain:

Comparison with Previous Chairs

Unlike Counsell, who came from pensions regulation, Evans brings specific expertise in fraud and harm prevention. This aligns with the government’s priority to reduce gambling-related harm, which has been a central theme of the white paper.

Departures and Reshuffling at the Commission

Evans’s arrival coincides with the departure of Tim Miller, the Commission’s policy and research director, after ten years in post. Miller oversaw key research on gambling behaviours and advised on the white paper. His exit may signal a broader restructuring as the Commission adapts to its new strategy.

Further personnel changes are expected as the regulator seeks to strengthen its digital enforcement capabilities and harm reduction teams.

Conclusion: What to Watch Next

Ruth Evans’s appointment as chair of the Gambling Commission marks a pivotal moment for UK gambling regulation. Her background in fraud prevention and public protection, combined with her collaborative approach, suggests a regulatory style that emphasises partnership, proportionality, and harm prevention.

Key developments to monitor:

With a full-time chair in place and a clear mandate from government, the Gambling Commission is poised for its most significant period of change since the 2005 Act was passed.