Sarah Fox, a seasoned civil servant from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), will oversee the Gambling Commission’s policy, research, and statistics functions. This announcement was made on Wednesday, with Fox stepping into some of the responsibilities held by Tim Miller, the outgoing executive director for policy and research, who will conclude his decade-long tenure in September.
Having led the gambling and lotteries team at DCMS for the past four years, Fox was instrumental in both the formulation and enactment of the government’s gambling white paper. She also played a pivotal role in the most recent transition of the National Lottery license, which includes the tender awarded to Allwyn in 2024. Her responsibilities extended to managing society lotteries and horse racing in her prior role.
Under Fox's leadership at DCMS, significant reforms have altered the gambling landscape, such as the extensive review of the 2005 Gambling Act and the introduction of measures like online deposit limits. More recently, the department revealed a Voluntary Code for prize draw competitions and initiated a second consultation regarding potential bans on sponsorship from unlicensed gambling operators.
With over 23 years of experience across multiple government departments, including the Home Office, Department of Health and Social Care, Cabinet Office, and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Fox is well-prepared for her new position. Reflecting on her time in gambling policy, she stated, "So much has been achieved over a time that has been significant for the gambling sector and everyone with an interest in it," expressing enthusiasm for her commitment to creating a safer and fairer gambling environment.
Sarah Gardner, acting chief executive of the Gambling Commission, praised Fox’s appointment, emphasizing its relevance in advancing the implementation of the white paper, evaluating its reforms, and safeguarding National Lottery players. "We are incredibly fortunate to have someone with Sarah’s experience joining us," Gardner remarked.
Regarding her transition, Fox remarked, "Over the last four years I’ve seen first-hand the work of the Commission, and the expertise, talent and enthusiasm of its teams. So much has been achieved over a time that has been significant for the gambling sector and everyone with an interest in it. The opportunity to cross over to the commission and help the team continue making gambling safer, fairer and crime free is one I am really excited to take."
