Sarah Fox, a senior civil servant from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), has been appointed to lead the Gambling Commission's policy, research, and statistics functions. This announcement, made on Wednesday, reveals that Fox will assume responsibilities previously held by Tim Miller, the outgoing executive director for policy and research, who is set to leave the commission in September after a decade of service.
Fox brings extensive experience, having spent the last four years directing the gambling and lotteries team at DCMS, where she played a pivotal role in the creation and execution of the government's gambling white paper. Additionally, she managed the transition for the National Lottery licence, overseeing the tender process which will see the license awarded to Allwyn in 2024. Her previous responsibilities also included oversight of society lotteries and horse racing.
Under her leadership, the DCMS has enacted several significant reforms in the gambling sector, ranging from a comprehensive review of the 2005 Gambling Act to implementing online deposit limits. Recently, the department introduced the Voluntary Code for prize draw competitions and opened a second consultation on possible prohibitions of gambling sponsorships connected to unlicensed operators.
With over 23 years in civil service, Fox has held positions across various government departments, including the Home Office, Department of Health and Social Care, Cabinet Office, and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. Reflecting on her time in the gambling sector, she remarked: “So much has been achieved over a time that has been significant for the gambling sector and everyone with an interest in it.” Fox expressed her enthusiasm about her new role, stating her commitment to making gambling “safer, fairer, and crime free.”
Sarah Gardner, Acting Chief Executive of the Gambling Commission, welcomed Fox’s appointment, emphasizing its significance in advancing efforts towards the implementation of the white paper and in protecting National Lottery players. "We are incredibly fortunate to have someone with Sarah’s experience joining us," Gardner stated. In her closing comments, Fox noted her familiarity with the Commission’s work and the dedication of its teams, looking forward to continuing collaborative efforts to enhance gambling safety.
