The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has announced that Marcus Boyle will be stepping down as its Chair effective 31 January 2025. His successor is yet to be named.

Boyle’s tenure as Chair began in 2022, where he reached several key milestones including the successful launch of the fourth National Lottery licence. It was a key initiative that contributed to funds raised for good causes exceeding £50 billion.

His three-year tenure saw him handling the commission’s governance and oversight of regulatory developments in UK gambling. He has overseen the ongoing implementation of the Gambling Act Review and White Paper which are focused on minimising gambling harm.

He has also supervised the recruitment of a whole new board of commissioners, aimed at creating a stronger governance framework. During his tenure, he also outlined a three-year strategy outlining planned advancements through 2027. The strategy focused on transparency and data use.

UKGC’s statement

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

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 the start of the fourth National Lottery licence.

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

The resignation comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the gambling industry, including the Commission’s 2024 Young People and Gambling Report’s findings. The report showed that 27 percent of 11 to 17-year-olds spent their own money on gambling in the past year. It also found that problem gambling rates among this age group has risen to 1.5 percent.

The commission is expected to continue its focus on improving regulatory practices and protecting vulnerable groups as Boyle steps down.