Sarah Fox has been appointed to lead the policy, research, and statistics functions at the Gambling Commission. This announcement was made on Wednesday, marking a significant transition as Fox steps into roles previously held by outgoing executive director for policy and research, Tim Miller, who is set to depart in September after ten years at the commission.
Fox has spent the last four years directing the gambling and lotteries team at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). Her tenure there included crucial involvement in the creation and rollout of the government’s recent gambling white paper, as well as overseeing the latest transition of the National Lottery licence, with the tender awarded to Allwyn for 2024. Additionally, she has managed society lotteries and horse racing in her previous positions.
Under her guidance, the DCMS has enacted several major reforms within the gambling sector, such as reviewing the 2005 Gambling Act and implementing online deposit limits. Recently, the department introduced a Voluntary Code for prize draw competitions and commenced a second consultation concerning potential bans on gambling sponsorships with unlicensed operators.
Fox brings over 23 years of civil service experience 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 work in gambling, Fox noted, “So much has been achieved over a time that has been significant for the gambling sector and everyone with an interest in it.” She expressed enthusiasm for contributing to efforts aimed at making gambling safer, fairer, and crime-free.
Sarah Gardner, acting chief executive of the Gambling Commission, welcomed Fox to her new role, emphasizing its importance for advancing the implementation of the white paper and enhancing the protection of National Lottery players. Gardner stated, “We are incredibly fortunate to have someone with Sarah’s experience joining us.”
In response to her new position, 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. 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.”
