Ruth Evans will take over as chair of the UK Gambling Commission on September 30, 2026, beginning a five-year term at the regulator as it develops a new strategy, steps up efforts against illegal gambling and completes its role in implementing measures stemming from the Gambling Act review.
Evans, who currently chairs Stop Scams UK, has spent more than four decades working across regulatory bodies, charities and financial oversight organizations, with a focus on consumer protection, public accountability and financial crime prevention. She founded Stop Scams UK in 2019 as an initiative bringing together banks, technology companies and telecommunications providers to combat payment fraud.
The appointment was made by the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport under the Gambling Act 2005. Ministers were assisted by an Advisory Assessment Panel that included a senior departmental official and a Senior Independent Panel Member approved by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.
Evans will succeed Charles Counsell OBE, who has served as interim chair since February 2025 following the departure of Marcus Boyle in January 2025. Counsell said the regulator is entering a significant period of work as Evans prepares to assume the role.
Charles Counsell OBE, Interim Chair, Gambling Commission said: “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.”
“She joins the Gambling Commission at an important time for the gambling sector and the Commission. As we develop a new strategy, ramp up our world-leading work to tackle illegal gambling and complete our part in the implementation of the Gambling Act Review, Ruth’s role will be pivotal in the years ahead.”
Her previous regulatory positions include chairing the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, where she was responsible for oversight of MPs’ pay and expenses and the protection of public funds.
She was also the first chair of the Bar Standards Board and spent nine years as a lay member of the General Medical Council, where she chaired its Standards and Ethics Committee. Evans has also served as a non-executive director of the Serious Fraud Office and was recently appointed chair of the Criminal Legal Aid Advisory Board.
Evans said cooperation among regulators, companies and the technology sector would be central to her approach at the Gambling Commission.
“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.’
“I look forward to working with the Commission to encourage online safety for UK citizens that strengthens consumer protections while supporting a responsible, innovative and sustainable gambling sector. By combining proportionate regulation with partnership and shared responsibility, we can build greater public confidence and create lasting benefits for consumers and the wider economy.”
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport announced the appointment on Monday, describing Evans as bringing extensive experience in public protection and financial crime prevention to the full-time chair position.
Secretary of State Lisa Nandy said the leadership change comes as the regulator balances consumer safeguards with oversight of the gambling industry. “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.’
“I would also like to thank Charles Counsell OBE for his leadership of the Gambling Commission since February 2025. He has been a passionate and diligent Chair, and we owe him our gratitude.”