Marcus Boyle Appointed New UKGC Chair
Marcus Boyle has been named as the new Chair of the UK’s Gambling Commission. The DCMS announced the new appointment, ahead of incoming changes for the gambling regulator. The government is examining the Commission’s powers as part of a wide-ranging review, and is expected to publish a white paper before the end of the year.
The government is currently considering the powers and capabilities of the Gambling Commission, as part of its extensive Gambling Act Review. ©Pixabay/Pexels
New Challenges for Regulator
The new appointment was made by Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden. He has chosen Marcus Boyle to lead the UK’s gambling regulator for the next five years. It is hoped that Boyle will be able to turn over a new leaf for the regulator, as it is about to be faced with far-reaching changes to gambling legislation.
The government commenced its Gambling Act Review at the end of last year. The review aims to bring gambling laws up to date with the digital age, and could mean some big changes for the industry. Imposing online stake limits and curbs on advertising have been discussed, and a ban on gambling operators sponsoring football shirts has been reported to be likely.
The review’s Call for Evidence closed on March 31st, and since then the government has been considering its responses and drafting new legislation. It is expected that a white paper will be published before the end of the year. The government has faced pressure from MPs and campaigners to reign in the industry and make gambling safer for the British public.
Since former-PM Tony Blair introduced the 2005 Gambling Act, the UK’s gambling industry has flourished. BGC members alone support 119,000 jobs, generate £4.5 billion for the Treasury in tax and contribute around £7.7 billion in gross value added to the UK economy.
While the economic benefits have been clear to see, it is widely accepted that the current legislation is no longer fit for the modern age. In 2005, online gambling was still in its infancy, but it has since grown to overtake land-based casinos and high-street bookies.
The new legislation aims to take into account digital developments, improve consumer protections and raising industry standards. The role and resources of the Gambling Commission are also under consideration as part of the Gambling Act Review, and it will be up to the new Chair to steer to regulator through these new challenges.
Business and Finance Background
Boyle’s appointed five-year term began on September 5th. He brings with him valuable experience in change management from both public and private sector bodies. His latest achievement was leading the development and implementation of a major reform program at a public sector body. For that role, he drew on his financial management and governance capabilities.
Boyle’s background in finance will be beneficial for his new role at the Gambling Commission. At Southampton University he graduated in Economics and Business Economics. In 1986 he qualified as a Chartered Accountant after joining Arthur Andersen.
He has been an equity partner for two top global professional services firms. Most recently, he served as Board Member, Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Deloitte, famously one of the “Big Four” accounting firms. He resigned as a Partner at Deloitte in November 2020, and has since worked as a Consulting Partner transforming businesses for high profile clients.
Boyle is also Chair of the British American Drama Academy and a trustee of the Serpentine Gallery in London. Alongside his keen interest in the arts, he also sits on a number of committees at the Historic Royal Palaces.
The UKGC’s new Chair has also been committed to working with charities throughout his career, on operational reviews and improvement plans. For example, he was key to the success of the merger between ChildLine and the NSPCC. At Deloitte Consulting, he was responsible for its acclaimed charitable and community programs.
Boyle is also a UK representative on the Global Community Investment Board, a for which he has been recognized with awards. In his own time, he has described himself as an active sportsman, and enjoys playing football and skiing. Other personal interests of the father of four include beekeeping and playing the piano.
Industry Welcomes Boyle
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden, who leads the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, has warmly welcomed Boyle to the role. He has high hopes for Boyle, as the regulator is about to face a period of change and upheaval. Dowden added:
“New leadership will bring a new direction and focus for the Commission and I very much look forward to working with Marcus. His expertise will be invaluable as he steers the Commission into a new era of gambling regulation fit for the digital age.”
News of Boyle’s appointment has already reached other industry leaders, who have taken the opportunity to welcome him to the post. Brigid Simmonds is Chair of the Betting and Gaming Council, which represents the UK’s casinos, betting shops and online operators. On behalf of the industry body, she congratulated Boyle on his latest position.
Simmonds reiterated the BGC’s commitment to working with the Gambling Commission on raising standards and as part of the government’s gambling review. She also extended her thanks to previous Chair of the Commission, Bill Moyes, with whom she has worked for the last two years.
Bill Moyes’ five-year term has just come to an end. Moyes has chaired the Gambling Commission since 2017, and during those years has overseen some major changes and reforms. Notable achievements include new rules on online casino VIP schemes, a ban on gambling with credit cards and financial penalties for regulatory failures.
Marcus Boyle’s tenure as Chair of the Gambling Commission will last from September 5th 2021 until September 4th 2026. His new post at the regulatory body is remunerated at £55,000 per annum. His appointment will likely be positive for the betting industry, and Boyle has been described as “a more neutral appointment” than other candidates considered for the role.
