Baroness Twycross is set to retain her position at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), but the body refused to confirm whether she will continue to serve as the United Kingdom’s gambling minister. This comes amid government shifts in the UK.
Twycross Might Not Retain Her Gambling Minister Seat
While the DCMS confirmed that Twycross will remain a member, the body was reluctant to provide information as to whether she will continue serving as gambling minister. According to a report by NEXT.io, the body refused to comment on the matter, suggesting that the decision might not have been made yet.
The most likely candidates to succeed Twycross, should she lose the ministerial role, appear to be Stephanie Peacock and Vicky Foxcroft. The former is a long-time DCMS member who has also served as Britain’s minister for sport, tourism, civil society, and youth. The other is a long-time parliament member, but a newcomer to the DCMS.
The DCMS also added Ruth Mackenzie, a minister with a background in art, to its team. In the meantime, the DCMS will continue to be headed by Lisa Nandy.
The UK Is Experiencing Leadership Shifts
The government shifts come as Andy Burnham takes over the PM position. Gambling industry stakeholders are counting on him adopting a more pro-gambling stance than his predecessor.
For reference, the previous government spearheaded tax hikes that added to the burden faced by gambling operators in the UK. The UK gaming sector had already been rocked by regulatory changes and new player protection policies and the Autumn Budget changes came as a bad surprise.
However, Twycross indicated that the new government might support the growth of regulated gaming in order to shield local players from the dangerous black market. She herself has long championed a regulatory regime that protects the public without inhibiting the gaming industry’s growth. As a result, her potential reappointment might indicate the new government’s direction.
BGC Was Pleased with Nandy’s Reappointment
The Betting & Gaming Council commented on some of the appointments, welcoming Nandy’s reappointment as Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and John Healey’s appointment as Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Grainne Hurst, the BGC CEO, said that it is pleased to see Nandy continue in her role, considering the positive relationship between her and the council.
She (Nandy) has consistently recognised the important contribution our regulated betting, casino and online sector makes to Britain’s economy, supporting 109,000 jobs, contributing £6.8 billion in gross value added, generating £4 billion in tax each year and investing millions more in sport, including racing.
Grainne Hurst, CEO, BGC
Hurst was also pleased to see Healey ascend to the new role and thanked him for supporting this year’s Grand National charity bet initiative.
In the meantime, the BGC also congratulated Simon Cox on his appointment as chair of the British Horseracing Authority.