Kevin Mullally has been appointed as the new and first CEO of the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR).

Whilst the organisation was established in the 1980s, it has never had a CEO before, with the appointment of Mullally signaling the IAGR’s continuous growth and expansion.

The entity has a member-led governance structure, with a rotating President and a Board of Trustees working together to set the IAGR’s strategic direction.

The Board of Trustees consists of various regulators from different jurisdictions, such as Botswana, the US, Denmark and the UK. Currently, the President is Ben Haden, who is also Director of Research at the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).

Welcoming Mullally, Haden said: “Kevin brings an extraordinary depth of regulatory experience and a global perspective that aligns perfectly with IAGR’s mission.”

“The Board was unanimous in its excitement about bringing on a leader with Kevin’s background to guide IAGR in this newly-created CEO role. 

“His experience in regulatory governance, gaming industry technology, institutional leadership and international collaboration will be invaluable as IAGR continues to strengthen its global role and support regulators facing complex cross-jurisdictional challenges.”

In his role as a CEO, Mullally will further strengthen the organisation’s day-to-day operations and the execution of the Board-approved strategy, while also enhancing partnerships, ongoing and future collaborations – especially in markets that are going through rapid growth.

Mullally has years of gambling regulatory experience behind his back, helping advance responsible gambling frameworks, fighting illegal operators, and overseeing developing markets.

His most recent tenure saw him leading the UAE’s gambling regulator for close to three years, since its very first inception in 2023 – setting the foundations of a market that aspires to be the Las Vegas of the Middle East.

He joins the IAGR amid a strengthening of connections between international gaming operators. This is in line with the growth of the global gaming industry but is also motivated by a desire to combat illegal betting across international borders.

“IAGR’s strength lies in its members and their willingness to work together across jurisdictions,’ Mullally added.

“My focus is on supporting regulators by expanding collaboration, sharing practical solutions, and ensuring IAGR remains at the forefront of addressing the most critical regulatory issues worldwide.