Gambling Commission appoints Sarah Fox as policy and research lead

The Gambling Commission has appointed senior civil servant Sarah Fox to lead its policy, research and statistics functions as the regulator continues implementing reforms arising from the gambling white paper.

Fox will join the Commission from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), where she has headed the Gambling and Lotteries team for the past four years.

Her new responsibilities will also include overseeing regulation of the National Lottery. She will assume parts of the remit currently held by executive director for policy and research Tim Miller. Miller is due to leave the regulator in September following ten years of service.

White paper experience

Fox played a central role in developing and implementing the government’s gambling white paper. This was published in April 2023 following the review of the Gambling Act 2005.

The reform programme has led to significant changes across Britain’s regulated gambling sector. This includes new consumer protection requirements and tighter controls for online operators.

Fox’s DCMS responsibilities also covered society lotteries and horse racing. She was involved in the transition to the fourth National Lottery licence after Allwyn replaced Camelot as operator in February 2024.

Other recent work undertaken by the department includes introducing a voluntary code for prize draw operators and consulting on proposals to restrict gambling sponsorship arrangements involving unlicensed operators.

Fox has more than 23 years of experience in the civil service. Her previous roles have spanned the Home Office, Department of Health and Social Care, Cabinet Office and Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

“The opportunity to cross over to the Commission and help the team continue making gambling safer, fairer and crime free is one I am really excited to take.” – Sarah Fox

Reflecting on her time at DCMS, Fox said significant progress had been made during an important period for the gambling industry and its stakeholders.

Commission prepares for next stage of reforms

Acting Gambling Commission chief executive Sarah Gardner welcomed the appointment and highlighted Fox’s knowledge of both gambling policy and National Lottery regulation.

Gardner said Fox would support the final stages of white paper implementation while helping the regulator evaluate the effects of the reforms already introduced.

Her appointment will also strengthen the Commission’s oversight of the National Lottery and its work to protect players under the licence held by Allwyn.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have someone with Sarah’s experience joining us,” Gardner said.

Fox’s arrival comes during a period of leadership change at the regulator. Miller’s forthcoming departure was confirmed earlier this year, with the Commission dividing elements of his existing responsibilities as it prepares for the next phase of regulatory reform.