The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has confirmed a new Executive Director of Operations amid a government-backed campaign against the black market.

Sue Young, an experienced civil servant, was confirmed in the role this afternoon (16 March). She joins the Commission from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), the UK tax office, where she was Director of Debt Management.

Young’s career in the UK government has included tenures at the Home Office, where she worked with the Border Force and HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, and the Department of Health and Social Care.

She joins the Commission amid a wider structural change to the regulator’s leadership, with Andrew Rhodes due to step down as Chief Executive at the end of April. UK media reports suggest that Rhodes is going to join Hawkbridge, a gambling-focused strategic advisory firm.

“I’m excited to be joining the Gambling Commission and to be learning about a new sector,” Young remarked.

“The Commission plays an important role in protecting consumers and ensuring gambling is conducted fairly and safely. I’m looking forward to building on the significant work already underway across the organisation.”

A changing landscape

Young joins the Commission not just during a time of change for the regulator, but also amid significant changes for the wider betting and gaming industry in the UK.

A new tax framework, starting with an increase in Remote Gaming Duty to 40% of gross gaming revenue, will come into effect on 1 April. This is expected to bite heavily into operator margins, with wider impacts expected on marketing spend and employment.

The taxes could significantly alter the landscape of the industry that the UKGC regulates. The prospect of some companies shutting up shop or focusing elsewhere could affect market share dynamics, for example.

On top of this, there is the question of the threats posed by the black market. The UKGC has been stepping up its enforcement action against illegal gambling, while the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is doing the same with a newly established task force and a consultation on banning unlicensed betting firms from sponsoring British sports clubs.

The  campaign against the black market has seen the Commission commit to working more closely with its international counterparts while also shining a spotlight on social media platforms like Meta.

The Commission shared that Young will oversee operational functions around keeping UK gambling ‘safer, fairer and crime free’ as its new Executive Director of Operations.

“I’m delighted to welcome Sue to the Gambling Commission,” said Sarah Gardner, Acting Chief Executive of the Commission.

“There is a great deal of important work underway across our operational teams, not least our continued focus on tackling the illegal market and delivering strong regulatory outcomes. 

“Sue brings a wealth of operational leadership experience and I’m very much looking forward to working with her.”