After months of speculation, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has revealed that Marcus Boyle has been named the new chair of the commission. The news comes as the regulator is under scrutiny for the behavior of former chief executive Neil McArthur who departed in March of 2021.
Although interim CEO Andrew Rhodes was appointed in June of this year, Boyle is expected to review the appointment and make a decision on a permanent CEO once he takes up his new role.
The announcement to name Marcus Boyle was made yesterday following an official decision by the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, The Rt Hon Oliver Dowden MP earlier this week.
Boyle, who has been appointed for a five-year term, will take up his new role this month as current chair Bill Moyes’ tenure comes to an end.
He comes into his position during a tough period for the UKGC as it faces questions relating to its handling of the industry and negative comments made by both the commission and its former CEO in recent years. As the Gambling Act 2005 is now under review, MPs have questioned whether or not the authority and Neil McArthur had overstepped the mark.
In a recent parliamentary session Scott Benton MP stated:
“Questions have to be asked about whether the Gambling Commission has extended its role beyond that expected of a regulator. Over the years, it has been said that the commission has taken a stance similar to the personal feelings of its chief executive at any particular time.
Although the commission is there to support businesses and enable them to operate within the guidelines, it has on occasion unnecessarily made negative comments, been overly critical of the industry as a whole and faced criticism for being obstructive to firms trying to engage with it.”
While Boyle’s first task will be to make a decision on the commission’s CEO role, he will face some tough months ahead as MPs demand answers relating to the commission and its former CEO’s behavior in the past.
Based in London, Natasha is a former sports journalist with experience working for some of the biggest athletes & brands in the world of sports and iGaming.