MPs question Allwyn interim CEO appointment with Gambling Commission

MPs have asked the Gambling Commission to clarify whether Phil Walker’s regulatory history was considered before he was appointed interim chief executive of Allwyn UK.

Labour MP Dawn Butler and Conservative MP Iain Duncan Smith said they were “deeply concerned” by the decision to place Walker in charge of the company operating the National Lottery.

Their letter raised questions about his previous senior positions at William Hill and his non-executive role with the owner of adult gaming centre operator Game Nation.

Walker is due to replace outgoing chief executive Andria Vidler on 7 September while Allwyn searches for a permanent successor.

MPs highlight William Hill warning

Walker held several senior positions at William Hill. These included Online Managing Director and UK Managing Director, before he became UK and Ireland Managing Director following the operator’s acquisition by 888.

In March 2023, three William Hill businesses agreed to pay a record £19.2m regulatory settlement. This was following an investigation into anti-money laundering and social responsibility failings.

The Commission found that customers had been allowed to lose large amounts without appropriate checks or timely safer-gambling interventions. Its then-chief executive Andrew Rhodes said the failings were sufficiently serious for the regulator to consider suspending the businesses’ licences.

Walker’s Personal Management Licence was subsequently reviewed. According to the UKGC regulatory register, the Commission determined that Walker had breached a general condition attached to his licence between May 2020 and October 2021.

It found that he had failed to take all reasonable steps to prevent the William Hill businesses under his management from breaching their licence conditions. The Commission issued a warning in May 2024 but did not revoke his licence.

Butler and Duncan Smith have asked what consideration was given to this history when assessing Walker’s suitability to run the National Lottery.

Game Nation role also questioned

The MPs also raised concerns about Walker’s non-executive position at City Gaming, the owner of Game Nation.

Game Nation operates a large chain of adult gaming centres. Many of these are open around the clock and contain high concentrations of slot machines.

The sector is currently under political pressure. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced plans to remove the “aim to permit” licensing principle. This guides councils towards approving gambling premises where applications meet relevant requirements.

Butler and Duncan Smith asked whether Walker’s work with City Gaming was compatible with his appointment to lead the National Lottery.

Game Nation has since confirmed that he will step back from the position from 1 September for the duration of his interim contract with Allwyn. His role with the company was lawful, and the MPs have not alleged that Walker committed any wrongdoing through the directorship.

Allwyn defends its appointment

Allwyn said both the Gambling Commission and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport were informed about the appointment before it was announced publicly.

The Commission declined to discuss the matter, saying it would not comment publicly on an operator’s personnel decisions. Being informed of the appointment does not necessarily mean the regulator formally approved the decision.

Allwyn has also highlighted that Walker retained his Personal Management Licence following the 2024 warning.

“Phil Walker brings valuable operational, digital and marketing experience alongside a significant understanding of our operating landscape.”

The operator said Walker’s appointment would support the next stage of growth and innovation at the National Lottery. Its search for a permanent chief executive has already begun.

The questions from MPs do not currently affect Walker’s planned start date. However, they place further scrutiny on the governance of the National Lottery and how regulatory history is considered when appointing senior figures to one of Britain’s most prominent gambling businesses.