Neil McArthur is relinquishing his position as the head executive of the UK Gambling Commission.
McArthur was named as the temporary chief executive following Sarah Harrison’s departure in 2017, and was formally appointed as the full-time CEO in April 2017. He joined the regulatory body in 2006.
“I am proud of the accomplishments of the Gambling Commission during my 15 years in this role,” McArthur stated. “We have taken significant strides to make gambling more equitable and secure, and I am confident that I am leaving the organization in a robust position to confront the challenges that lie ahead.
“With the Gambling Act review in progress, this feels like the appropriate time to step aside and permit a new CEO to guide the Commission into its next phase.”
His time in office encompassed numerous alterations to UK gambling regulations, such as the prohibition of using credit cards for gambling, and substantial modifications to online slot game play, as well as the government’s Gambling Act review initiated last year.
The past week saw the Gaming Authority face criticism for the downfall of a football index. The authority subsequently revoked the operator’s online wagering permit. However, the authority offered no hint that MacArthur’s exit was connected to these incidents.
The National Audit Office also censured the regulator, which in a 2020 report stated it lacked sufficient resources to fulfill its responsibilities.
“On behalf of the Board, I want to express gratitude to Neil for his commitment and service to the Gaming Authority over many years,” remarked Bill Moyes, chair of the authority. “We have accomplished a great deal during his tenure with us, and Neil can be proud of the advancement the organization has made.”
Gardener joined the Gaming Authority in 2009 as executive director and was promoted to deputy chief executive in June 2020. Jones joined the Gaming Authority in October 2020 from the educational non-profit Ambitious Futures.
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