The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is accepting applications for a new Chair, with the role having been filled on an interim basis for over a year.

Charles Counsell OBE took over interim duties at the start of February 2025 to replace previous Chair Marcus Boyle. 

For the one year as Interim Chair, Counsell has helped steer the Commission through the still-ongoing implementation of the Gambling Act White Paper Review – coordinating industry discussions with policymakers and actively accommodating stakeholder feedback. 

The latest development on that front saw the Commission announce that all non-compliant gaming machines will be removed from land-based venues in July this year.

Counsell would have played a role in the Commission’s engagement with the industry during the Treasury consultation around taxes last year, which exploded into an often very heated debate.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, would ultimately announce a major increase in Remote Gaming Duty from 21% to 40% but also moving to abolish bingo duty altogether – while sparing horse racing from any tax hikes.

A demanding role

Demonstrating such leadership qualities in times of frequent uncertainty and political high-stakes have been clearly outlined in the requirements for all new Chair applicants in the new job advert.

“The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate that they can command the confidence of the companies and organisations within the gambling industry,” the listing reads.

“The role demands close working relationships with diverse stakeholders, however, the candidate must also demonstrate the ability to ensure sufficient detachment to be seen as independent and driving standards within the industry.”

Also mentioned is the need to work closely with and ensure the effectiveness of the UK National Lottery, the current operator of which is Allwyn under a 10-year contract that ends in 2034.

Applications to become the UKGC’s next Chair will be open until 14 March. The time commitment listed by the UKGC is two days per week, but this will certainly carry a very packed schedule with it given how drastically the UK gambling sector is transforming.

The above-mentioned tax hikes, the resulting investment insecurities, a horse racing sector that is at a historic low, manoeuvring advertising changes in football, going against the black market, and ensuring problem gambling rates are being kept at a minimum, are only a few in a long list of duties that the successful candidate will be facing.