The Gambling Business Group is urging the Government and the Gambling Commission to fill the top leadership roles at the regulator as a matter of urgency. But more importantly, it must appoint a new CEO and Chairman that has a genuine understanding of the industry and businesses in which they are entrusted to regulate.
The Gambling Business Group has raised its concerns over the lack of pace in filling the top two posts at the Gambling Commission. The UK regulator has been without a permanent Chairman since February 2025 and a Chief Executive for the past four months.
The GBG says that the industry is entitled to an urgent update on the progress of the Commission’s recruitment, arguing that the regulator “cannot continue to remain rudderless at the most important time for the UK industry when so many important decisions are being made.”
Peter Hannibal, chief executive of the GBG, told Coinslot this week that the time frame has reached a critical point. “We understand that appointment processes should not be rushed, but there is no timeline published setting out when to expect appointment announcements,” he said. “This is not a comfortable position for the regulator to be in, especially given the Gambling Act Review changes under consultation as we speak. It currently has no direction at the top of the Board nor the Executive. And this is the time that we desperately need it.”
And Hannibal is also worried about the current decision-making process whilst the Commission remains in statis. “Permanent, and most importantly, quality decisions that will determine the future of an entire industry, people’s businesses, jobs and investment on the high street cannot be left to interim appointees who may not even have been around when the GAR started. This continuing impasse further undermines confidence in the Commission and, unfortunately, at a time when confidence in the organisation is not at its highest.”
There are currently three crucial decisions in progress involving the Commission – Gaming Machine Technical Standards, affordability checks and the Gambling Commission Fees review – and that’s not including the other DCMS consultations awaiting an outcome.
And Hannibal has a strong view on this. “I don’t believe the industry is getting balanced judgements from the current structure of the Gambling Commission. It lacks sufficient knowledge of the industry, of gambling processes, business – and there is no understanding of its regulatory duty to minimise regulation and explore sector growth, whilst still ensuring that people gamble safely. These must be fundamental skills for any new appointment to the post of Chairman and Chief Executive,” he argued.
So, Coinslot posed the question: what type of leadership is needed at the Commission?
“That is obviously a decision for the Commission and DCMS. But we cannot keep appointing new leaders who then meet us and say “I’m new to gambling and want to hear more about the industry”.
“We need quality leadership at the regulator and that means an understanding of the industry, business and growth. The kind of Chief Executive and Chairman the Commission needs is one who can listen and challenge not just the industry, but its own organisation, and also the anti-gambling lobby.”
And Hannibal closed his call to the regulator with an important message for both the Commission, and perhaps, all the key stakeholders?
“Whilst we need leadership at the regulator as soon as possible because it cannot continue to be rudderless, most importantly, we need quality, balanced leadership with vision for a sustainable industry – and a vision that has got to stop regulating the industry out of business.”
Memorandum for understanding
Peter Hannibal said… “We need quality leadership at the regulator and that means an understanding of the industry, business and growth. The kind of Chief Executive and Chairman the Commission needs is one who can listen and challenge not just the industry, but its own organisation, and also the anti-gambling lobby…
Originally published on Coinslot on June 8, 2026. Republished with permission.