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 divisions. Her transition, announced Wednesday, will involve her taking on responsibilities previously held by outgoing executive director Tim Miller, who is set to leave the commission in September after a decade of service.
Fox comes to this new role with extensive experience, having spent the last four years directing the gambling and lotteries team at DCMS. She significantly contributed to the development and rollout of the government's gambling white paper and managed the recent transition of the National Lottery license, which saw the tender awarded to Allwyn for 2024. Fox's previous duties also encompassed oversight of society lotteries and horse racing.
Under her guidance, the DCMS has initiated vital reforms across the gambling sector, including reviewing the 2005 Gambling Act and implementing measures such as online deposit limits. Recently, the department announced a voluntary code for prize draw competitions and reopened consultations regarding potential bans on gambling sponsorships from unlicensed operators.
With over 23 years in civil service, Fox has served across various government departments, including the Home Office and the Cabinet Office. Speaking on her tenure in gambling, 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,” expressing her enthusiasm to support efforts in making gambling “safer, fairer, and crime-free.”
Sarah Gardner, the acting chief executive of the Gambling Commission, welcomed Fox’s appointment, underlining its significance in advancing the implementation of the white paper and protecting National Lottery players. Gardner noted, “We are incredibly fortunate to have someone with Sarah’s experience joining us.” Fox shared her excitement about joining the commission, noting her firsthand experience with the team's dedication and achievements, and her eagerness to contribute to ongoing improvements in the gambling landscape.
