Sue Young Joins British Regulator as Executive Director of Operations

Sue Young has joined the Gambling Commission from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) as Executive Director of Operations at a time of change at senior management level for the British regulator.

Young was previously Director of Debt Management at HMRC, and holds a strong background in public sector positions, including senior roles at the Home Office, such as Border Force and HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, and the Department of Health and Social Care.

Convenient timing

There is an irony in Young joining the Commission from HMRC, with one of the key issues UK operators currently face being upcoming online betting tax increases. From April, remote gaming duty, paid on online casino bets, will rise from 21% of gross gaming yield (GGY) to 40%.

There will also be an increase in general betting duty, paid on online sports bets, which will move from 15% of GGY to 25% in April 2027; bets on horseracing will be exempt from this.

The Commission was slightly vague in describing exactly what Young’s role would entail, but  said Young will lead a number of the Commission’s operational functions. The appointment comes while the Commission is working through a number of reforms put forward by the government’s 2023 White Paper.

Measures that still need to be implemented include reform at land-based venues, the introduction of a gambling ombudsman, and a new financial risk assessment system, following a pilot scheme.

Learning a new sector

Sarah Gardner, Acting Chief Executive for the Commission, said:

“I’m delighted to welcome Sue to the Gambling Commission. There is a great deal of important work underway across our operational teams, not least our continued focus on tackling the illegal market and delivering strong regulatory outcomes. Sue brings a wealth of operational leadership experience and I’m very much looking forward to working with her.”

Sue Young said: “I’m excited to be joining the Gambling Commission and to be learning about a new sector. The Commission plays an important role in protecting consumers and ensuring gambling is conducted fairly and safely. I’m looking forward to building on the significant work already underway across the organisation.”

Times are changing

New or prospective hires are currently a common theme at the Commission. In February, the Commission announced Andrew Rhodes would be leaving the position of Chief Executive & Commissioner in April. Recent reports suggested Rhodes is close to joining Hawkbridge, a new advisory firm, presenting a potential conflict of interest. Gardner has moved into the role of Acting Chief Executive during the transitional period.

When these reports surfaced, a spokesperson said Rhodes would be "bound by confidentiality obligations and post-employment restrictions, including limits on the use of confidential information and on engagement with matters connected to his previous responsibilities.

These restrictions are designed to prevent conflicts of interest and protect the integrity of the Commission’s work... [and] apply to all employees."

New chair

In February, the Department for Culture Media and Sport began advertising for the position of Chair for the second time, having initially published an advertisement for the position last April.

Charles Counsell has held the position of Interim Chair since February 2025, following the departure of previous Chair Marcus Boyle, who had held the position since September 2021. The deadline to apply for the role is this Friday, 20 March.