UK Gambling Commission locks away new Chief Executive

Neil McArthur United Kingdom Gambling Commission — Neil McArthur has been appointed UKGC CEO on a full time basis.

INTERIM United Kingdom Gambling Commission Chief Executive Neil McArthur has been appointed to the role full time.

McArthur, who is a qualified solicitor, has been in the CEO seat since Sarah Harrison MBE departed the UKGC towards the end of February, 2018.

Chair of the Commission Bill Moyes said a true and proper process had been followed before the appointment of Moyes.

“Neil’s appointment is great news for the Commission,” he said.

“He brings to the role a thorough understanding of gambling issues and regulation, along with proven commitment to making gambling fairer and safer.

“I’m looking forward to working even more closely with Neil as he leads the Commission to make significant progress in raising standards, protecting consumers and the public from gambling-related harm and improving the performance of the National Lottery.”

McArthur said he was excited to continue building on the good work the Commission has achieved over the last 12 years.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead to make gambling fairer and safer,” he said.

“I am really proud of the Commission’s achievements over the last 12 years, but there is a lot more to do.

“Ensuring consumers are empowered to make informed choices about gambling while addressing and reducing the harms that can come from gambling is a challenge that cannot be overcome by us alone.

“It needs continued strong partnerships with other regulators, consumer representatives and government. Most importantly, it requires gambling operators to treat their customers fairly and they can expect us to be tough but fair in making sure they meet their responsibilities.”

McArthur graduated from the Leicester Polytechnic and Leicester University and holds a post graduate diploma in local government law from the college of law.

His work history includes stints as in-house lawyer for a number of public bodies, such as the head of the General Teaching Council, for England’s legal team.

The Chief Executive of the UKGC is entrusted with developing and delivering of the strategy agreed on by the Board of Commissioners.

Harrison quit her post to take up a new position with the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy.