Ruth Evans has been appointed as the new Chair of the UK Gambling Commission, taking over at a key moment for the regulator as it prepares to strengthen consumer protection, tackle illegal gambling and continue implementing reforms to the sector.
Evans will begin her five-year term on 30 September 2026, following her appointment by Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Secretary Lisa Nandy.
She succeeds Charles Counsell OBE, who has led the Commission since February 2025.
Consumer protection at the centre of Evans’ career
Evans brings more than four decades of experience across regulation, consumer protection and public-sector oversight.
She is currently Chair of Stop Scams UK, where she leads cooperation between banks, technology companies and telecommunications providers to combat financial fraud.
Her previous roles include Chair of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA), the first Chair of the Bar Standards Board and a non-executive director at the Serious Fraud Office.
Evans also spent nine years as a lay member of the General Medical Council, chairing its Standards and Ethics Committee.
Her work has frequently focused on protecting consumers and strengthening institutional accountability. In 2018, she chaired an industry steering group that developed a voluntary code aimed at reimbursing victims of authorised push payment bank scams.
Gambling Commission faces major challenges
Evans arrives as the UK gambling regulator works on several major priorities.
The Commission is developing a new strategy while continuing efforts to tackle illegal gambling and contributing to the implementation of the Gambling Act Review.
Outgoing interim Chair Charles Counsell said Evans’ regulatory and consumer protection experience would be valuable as the Commission works to make gambling safer, fairer and free from crime.
For the government, Evans’ appointment comes with an expectation that the regulator can balance stronger protections with the needs of a sustainable and innovative gambling industry.
Evans calls for collaboration with industry and technology
Evans said the Commission’s role in ensuring gambling remains fair, safe and crime-free is more important than ever.
She also highlighted the importance of cooperation between regulators, gambling companies and technology firms, arguing that effective partnerships can strengthen consumer protection while supporting a responsible and sustainable industry.
Her background in tackling financial crime could prove particularly relevant as the UK continues to confront illegal online gambling and the technologies used to reach consumers.
Five-year term begins this month
Evans’ appointment was made under the Gambling Act 2005, with ministers supported by an Advisory Assessment Panel during the selection process.
The role carries an annual remuneration of £85,000 for an expected commitment of two days per week.
Evans will formally take up the position on September 30, beginning a five-year term at a time when the Gambling Commission is facing pressure to strengthen enforcement while maintaining confidence in Britain’s regulated gambling market.