Tim Miller will step down from his role as Executive Director of Policy and Research at the UK Gambling Commission in September 2026, ending a decade at the regulator during one of the most significant periods of change for Britain’s gambling sector.
The Commission confirmed that Miller will move into an international advisory role outside the UK’s regulated gambling industry, where he will work with governments, regulators and other organisations developing and overseeing gambling regulatory systems. His departure follows other recent leadership changes at the regulator, including the exit of former chief executive Andrew Rhodes, as the Commission continues its search for a permanent chair.
Miller joined the Gambling Commission in 2016 and has since become one of its most prominent senior figures, leading policy development and research while helping shape many of the regulatory reforms introduced following the government’s Gambling Act Review.
Decade of regulatory reform
During his tenure, Miller oversaw the expansion of the Commission’s research capabilities and played a central role in building the evidence base used to support regulatory decision-making. Among his most notable projects was the creation and rollout of the Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB), which the Commission describes as the largest gambling survey of its kind in the world.
The survey has become a key source of data for policymakers and regulators, although its methodology has attracted criticism from some industry stakeholders, who argue it may overstate gambling participation and gambling-related harm.
Miller also directed the Commission’s work to implement measures contained in the 2023 Gambling Act Review White Paper. Those reforms introduced updated age verification requirements, financial vulnerability checks, changes to remote game design, stricter direct marketing rules and a range of other consumer protection measures designed to make gambling safer and reduce criminal activity within the sector.
Some of these initiatives, particularly financial vulnerability checks, have generated considerable debate across the industry, with operators raising concerns over their practical implementation while the regulator maintained they were intended to strengthen player protections.
Reflecting on his decision to leave, Miller said: “I have worked at the Commission longer than anywhere else during my career and have found it the most rewarding and fulfilling role. In large part this has been due to the amazing and dedicated colleagues that I’ve had the pleasure to work alongside. That’s what made it a hard decision to leave but after ten years I felt ready for the next challenge.”
In a separate LinkedIn post, he added: “Today I announced to my colleagues that after a decade at the Gambling Commission, I’ve decided it’s time for my next chapter.
“The Commission has been the most enjoyable and fulfilling part of my career so far and I’ve been so lucky to work with such brilliant people who care deeply about getting regulation right. But for me, ten years always felt like the right point to take on a new challenge.”
He also confirmed that his future work will focus on advising governments and regulators internationally.
“I am now looking forward to working for myself,” Miller wrote.
“This is going to include working internationally with a number of governments, regulators and organisations that are focused on supporting the development of well-regulated and competitive markets.”
Leadership changes continue
Miller’s departure comes during a period of significant turnover among the Commission’s senior leadership.
Former chief executive Andrew Rhodes stepped down earlier this year before joining gambling consultancy Hawkbridge, a move that attracted criticism from some observers over potential conflicts of interest. The regulator is also continuing efforts to appoint a permanent chair.
Despite those changes, the Commission said arrangements for Miller’s responsibilities will be announced before his departure.
Acting Chief Executive Sarah Gardner praised his contribution to the organisation, saying in a press release: “Tim has provided outstanding service to the Commission for ten years. I would like to thank Tim for his significant contribution to gambling regulation and wish him every success in the future.”
International role awaits
Rather than joining another operator or gambling business, Miller will remain outside Britain’s regulated gambling industry while continuing to work within gambling regulation on a global scale.
According to the Commission, his new position will involve supporting governments, regulators and organisations that are establishing or refining gambling regulatory frameworks in different jurisdictions.
His move reflects growing international demand for regulatory expertise as more countries develop legal gambling markets and update their oversight models. After helping implement some of the UK’s most significant gambling reforms in recent years, Miller will now take that experience into an advisory role focused on supporting regulatory development worldwide.