British Gambling Commission Launches Industry Forum with Expert Members

Shaping the Future of UK Gambling: The Inaugural Industry Forum Embarks on a Mission of Collaboration and Insight

In a landmark move for the UK gambling sector, the British Gambling Commission unveils the composition of its Industry Forum, a visionary assembly aimed at fostering a more inclusive regulatory environment. Chaired by the esteemed Nick Rust, this forum represents a broad spectrum of industry expertise, from legacy operators to innovative startups. Dive into the profiles of the forum members and the promising future of collaborative regulation they herald.

The Genesis of the Industry Forum

Announced in September and launching its foundational meeting on March 21, the Industry Forum marks a significant stride towards integrating diverse industry voices into the regulatory process. This initiative complements the Gambling Commission‘s existing advisory bodies, including the Lived Experience Panel and the Digital Advisory Panel, enriching the regulator’s perspective with direct insights from the operational forefront of gambling.

The Forum’s Chair: Nick Rust

Nick Rust, a figure synonymous with leadership in the gambling and racing sectors, assumes the pivotal role of chair for the Industry Forum. With a rich background that spans key positions at the British Horseracing Authority, Ladbrokes, and Coral Group, Rust brings to the forum a wealth of experience and a commitment to steering the group towards constructive dialogue and actionable insights.

Introducing the Forum Members

The Gambling Commission has curated a panel of nine distinguished members, selected from over 40 applicants, to represent a cross-section of the UK’s gambling ecosystem:

• Tony Boulton, director of public affairs at MERKUR UK, offers a deep understanding of the retail betting landscape.
• Kirsty Caldwell, founder of BetSmart Consultancy, brings expertise in responsible gambling and customer protection.
• Charles Cohen, CEO and founder of DoTrust Compliance, adds a tech-forward approach to regulatory compliance.
• Ashley Padgett, director of compliance at Flutter UK and Ireland, provides insights from operating within a leading gambling conglomerate.
• Mark Pearson, media director at Betfred, shares perspectives from the dynamic world of sports betting.
• Nigel Roddis, managing director at Britbet, represents the interests of racecourse betting.
• Leo Walker, customer operations director at Entain, offers a view from one of the world’s largest sports betting and gaming groups.
• Helen Walton, founder and chief commercial officer at G.Games, brings innovation from the game development side.
• David Williams, director of public affairs at Rank Group, adds expertise from the casino and bingo sectors.

A Collaborative Path Forward

The Industry Forum’s inaugural meeting sets the stage for an era of enhanced collaboration between the gambling industry and its regulator. By pooling the diverse experiences and insights of its members, the forum aims to address key challenges facing the sector, from promoting safer gambling practices to navigating the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in UK Gambling Regulation

The British Gambling Commission’s Industry Forum represents a forward-thinking approach to gambling regulation in the UK. Through this collaborative platform, the Commission seeks to harness the collective expertise of industry leaders to inform its regulatory practices and policies. As the forum embarks on its mission, the UK gambling sector stands on the cusp of a more inclusive and insightful regulatory era, promising benefits for operators, consumers, and society at large.