BGC AGM 2026 Tim Miller outlines crypto review and fee increase plans

Executive director Tim Miller used his speech at the Betting and Gaming Council AGM on 26 February to set out what he described as a period of “change and uncertainty” for the gambling sector.

The message was not dramatic. But it was strategic.

Leadership transition, rising costs, illegal market pressure and potential innovation were all addressed — with the clearest signal being that the regulator is attempting to balance enforcement with commercial sustainability.

Leadership change but no policy reversal

Miller confirmed that Andrew Rhodes will step down as Chief Executive of the UK Gambling Commission on 30 April.

He stressed that regulatory direction will not shift following Rhodes’ departure. The Commission remains committed to making gambling “safe, fair and crime free” and continues to prioritise early compliance through engagement where possible.

In short, continuity over change.

Fees consultation could raise industry costs

A key focus of the speech was the DCMS consultation on Commission fees.

If approved, Commission income (excluding the National Lottery) would increase from 0.21% to 0.28% of total industry GGY.

Miller acknowledged frustration over timing, coming shortly after the November Budget and the statutory levy. However, he argued that regulatory complexity has significantly increased over the past five years, particularly around enforcement and corporate control assessments.

Without the uplift, he warned the Commission may need to “scale back, slow down or stop” elements of its work.

The consultation runs until 29 March.

Illegal market enforcement ramps up

The illegal gambling market remains central to the Commission’s agenda.

The Treasury has committed £26m over three years to strengthen enforcement. Miller said tackling illegal supply alone is not enough, highlighting the need for cooperation from tech platforms and financial services.

"When I talk to international regulators and governments they often speak enviously about what has been built in Britain, what you have built, since the 2005 Act. So as well as protecting consumers we need to protect the regulated market that has been created here." - Tim Miller, UKGC.

He confirmed engagement with Meta regarding advertising of “not on GamStop” sites and referenced progress within the Government’s Illegal Gambling Taskforce.

The focus is increasingly shifting towards both supply and demand. This is keeping consumers within the licensed market rather than simply removing illegal operators.

Regulatory stability after White Paper reforms

Miller suggested the sector may now enter a period of regulatory stability as implementation of the Gambling Act Review nears completion.

He warned against an “endless treadmill” of reform and stressed the importance of evaluating the impact of White Paper measures before further major change.

For operators, that signals potential breathing space. This is provided that compliance standards are maintained.

Crypto formally enters the conversation

The most commercially significant development came towards the end of the speech.

Miller referenced the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Cryptoassets) Regulations 2025, which will bring cryptoassets under FCA oversight from October 2027.

For the first time, he confirmed the Commission wants to explore a regulated pathway for cryptoasset payments within licensed gambling.

No deadlines were set. No policy shift announced.

However, Commission research shows crypto-related searches are among the biggest drivers pushing British players towards illegal sites. Miller framed innovation as a potential consumer protection tool, provided it aligns with licensing objectives.

That marks a notable evolution in tone.

Enforcement remains firm

Miller dismissed any suggestion that openness to innovation signals weaker regulation.

Recent licence suspensions demonstrate, he argued, that enforcement remains robust. But he invited operators to engage proactively with the regulator if they believe consumer-focused innovation can strengthen the licensed offer.

The message was measured but clear: compliance is non-negotiable. Yet innovation is not off limits.

As the industry navigates higher costs and political scrutiny, the Commission appears to be signalling a dual-track approach. Tougher illegal market action alongside a more pragmatic conversation about competitiveness.

For 2026, that balance may define the regulatory landscape.