Sarah Fox Joins Gambling Commission Following Tim Miller’s Departure

Sarah Fox has been appointed by the Gambling Commission to lead the British regulator’s Policy and Research and Statistics functions and National Lottery regulation, in what appears to be a replacement appointment for Tim Miller.

Fox joins the Commission with relevant experience, having served as Deputy Director – Gambling and Lotteries for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport since June 2022.

Fox also has 23 years’ experience in the civil service, having previously held senior roles at the Home Office, the Department for Communities and Local Government and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

This follows the announcement in June that Miller is to vacate the position of Executive Director of Policy & Research. Miller will step down in September after 10 years with the Commission, during which time he oversaw the introduction of the Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB).

While Fox does not appear to have a specific job title, the Commission referenced in its announcement of Fox’s appointment that Miller recently departed and the nature of their roles would appear to be very similar. However, Fox’s role seems to relate more specifically to lotteries.

A familiar role

Fox has already been involved in a number of significant developments in the gambling and lottery spaces. This includes overseeing the implementation of the 2023 Gambling White Paper, which was one of the most significant publications in the history of gambling in the UK, setting out more than 60 proposals to update the country’s gambling laws.

Fox was also in position when the National Lottery license was sold to Allwyn in 2022. Allwyn took over from Camelot, which had operated the National Lottery since its inception in 1994.

This has marked a period of change for the UK National Lottery, with a major digital platforms upgrade announced by Allwyn in January and the UK’s recent addition to the US Powerball lottery jackpot.

Fox said:

“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.”

Duties a little unclear

The Commission was a little vague in explaining exactly what Fox’s duties will be, but Acting Chief Executive Sarah Gardner mentioned the completion of the final stages of the White Paper, with the impending financial risk assessments particularly being a key part of its current focus.

Gardner said:

“We are incredibly fortunate to have someone with Sarah’s experience joining us. The Commission has an ambitious strategy, so having someone who is already working across the gambling and lotteries sector will be invaluable.

“Sarah’s role will be a vital one as we complete the final stages of the implementation of the White Paper, assess the impacts of these changes, and continue to ensure the interests of National Lottery players are protected and that returns to good causes are maximised.”

Changing times

The appointment of Fox comes at a time of change at senior management level at the Commission. Gardner has been Acting Chief Executive since April, following the departure of previous Chief Executive Andrew Rhodes. It is still unclear when a permanent replacement for Rhodes will be appointed.