Ruth Evans Takes Over From Charles Counsell as Chair of UK Gambling Commission

Ruth Evans has been appointed as the new Chair of the UK Gambling Commission, beginning her five‑year term on 30 September 2026. 

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The announcement was made by the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, on Monday, who described the appointment as coming at “an incredibly important time” for the gambling sector. Evans succeeds Charles Counsell OBE, who has served as interim Chair since February 2025.

The Commission highlighted her long career in consumer protection and regulation, noting that her experience will be central as the body continues to implement reforms from the Gambling Act Review and strengthen its oversight of the industry.

A career built on consumer protection

Evans is widely recognised for her leadership in regulatory and consumer advocacy roles. She previously chaired the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, overseeing MPs’ pay and expenses, and was the first Chair of the Bar Standards Board.

Her work also extended to the General Medical Council, where she chaired the Standards and Ethics Committee for nine years, and to the Serious Fraud Office as a Non‑Executive Director.

More recently, she has become known for her efforts against financial crime, leading Stop Scams UK and coordinating banks, telecoms and tech firms to protect victims of fraud. In 2018, she also chaired the group that introduced a voluntary code reimbursing victims of Authorised Push Payment scams, a landmark in consumer protection. 

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Lisa Nandy welcomed the appointment, saying: “I am pleased to announce Ruth Evans as the incoming chair of the Gambling Commission. She becomes Chair at this incredibly important time, supporting a sustainable, thriving industry with the essential protections needed to prevent harm.” She also thanked Charles Counsell for his leadership and dedication during his tenure.

Evans herself stressed the importance of collaboration, noting: “I am delighted to have been appointed Chair of the Gambling Commission at a time when its role in keeping gambling fair, safe and crime‑free is more important than ever. Throughout my career in consumer protection, I have seen that the best outcomes are achieved through effective collaboration between regulators, industry and the technology sector.”

The appointment was made under the Gambling Act 2005 by the Secretary of State, following advice from an independent panel. Evans will serve for five years, with a commitment of two days per week.

“We are delighted to welcome Ruth as the new Chair of the Gambling Commission.  Ruth’s regulatory and consumer experience will be invaluable to the Board as we continue our work to make gambling safer, fairer and crime-free,” stated Charles Counsell OBE, Interim Chair.

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