Ruth Evans appointed Gambling Commission chair for five-year term

Consumer protection and anti-fraud specialist Ruth Evans has been appointed Chair of the UK Gambling Commission. Evans will begin a five-year term on 30 September 2026 after being selected by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy.

She succeeds Charles Counsell OBE, who has served as Interim Chair since February 2025. Counsell stepped into the position following the departure of former Chair Marcus Boyle in January last year.

Consumer protection experience

Evans brings more than four decades of experience across regulatory organisations, charities and public bodies. She currently chairs Stop Scams UK, which brings together banks, technology businesses and telecommunications companies to combat financial fraud.

In 2018, Evans chaired the steering group responsible for developing a voluntary industry code covering the reimbursement of victims of authorised push payment scams.

Her previous roles include Chair of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority and the first Chair of the Bar Standards Board. She has also served as a lay member of the General Medical Council and a non-executive director of the Serious Fraud Office.

Evans was recently appointed Chair of the Criminal Legal Aid Advisory Board.

Evans promises collaborative approach

Announcing the appointment, Evans said the Commission’s role in “keeping gambling fair, safe and crime-free is more important than ever”.

She said her experience had demonstrated the value of collaboration between regulators, businesses and technology companies.

Evans also committed to pursuing stronger consumer protections and online safety while supporting a responsible and sustainable gambling sector.

Nandy said Evans was joining the regulator at an important time as it seeks to balance the development of a thriving gambling industry with measures intended to prevent harm.

New strategy among Commission priorities

The appointment comes as the Gambling Commission continues implementing measures arising from the UK government’s review of the Gambling Act 2005.

Counsell said Evans’ regulatory and consumer experience would support the Commission. The commission is developing a new organisational strategy, expanding its work against illegal gambling and delivering the review reforms.

The regulator has placed increasing emphasis on disrupting unlicensed operators as concerns grow about the scale and accessibility of Britain’s illegal online gambling market.

Evans’ background in fraud prevention and cross-industry cooperation could therefore prove particularly relevant as the Commission seeks greater collaboration with payment providers, technology platforms and other agencies.

The Chair’s position carries an annual salary of £85,000 and requires a commitment of two days per week. The appointment was made under the Gambling Act 2005 and in accordance with the Cabinet Office Governance Code on Public Appointments.

Evans declared no significant political activity during the previous five years.