Marcus Boyle exits as Chair of UKGC

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has announced that Marcus Boyle will step down as Chair of the regulatory authority on 31 January 2025.

Boyle will complete his term as Chair in January, ending his three-year tenure overseeing the Gambling Commission’s governance and oversight of regulatory developments in UK gambling.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) appointed Boyle as Chair of the Gambling Commission in August 2021, succeeding former Chair Bill Moyes. 

A prominent figure in British arts, drama and cultural heritage, Boyle took on the role of Chair as the Commission embarked on key directives, including the competition and launch of the fourth National Lottery licence, as well as the initiation of the Gambling Act Review and its White Paper.

In April 2024, the Commission published a comprehensive three-year strategy, outlining planned advancements through to 2027, with a focus on transparency and data use. With this strategy now in motion, Marcus leaves the Commission in a strong position, with a clearly defined path forward.

As Chair, Boyle fully supported CEO Andrew Rhodes‘ strictest approach to “enhance compliance in a “new ear of accountability” for British gambling, resulting in the UKGC imposing record fines and penalties on UK-licensed operators.

Boyle’s tenure concludes as UKGC and DCMS settle key resolutions on the RET Levy funding allocations and the adoption of £5 and £2 stake limits on online slots as a new protection against high-risk gambling behaviours.

The Board of Commissioners and colleagues at the Gambling Commission have expressed their gratitude for Marcus’s leadership, dedication and contributions over the past three years, wishing him well for the future.

The Minister for Gambling, Baroness Twycross, said: “The past three years have been very significant for the Commission, as it takes forward measures set out in the Gambling Act Review and begins the process of the fourth National Lottery licence.

“I am grateful for Marcus’s hard work and commitment to the Gambling Commission and public service during his tenure, and I wish him the best for his future endeavours.”