UK Government Mull Gambling Minister Change; Decision Expected Soon

Vicky Foxcroft has reportedly been mooted as a strong frontrunner to be appointed gambling minister, as the UK government considers a switch-up.

Andy Burnham, who succeeded Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister last week, carried out an immediate cabinet reshuffle. Foxcroft, the MP for Lewisham North, was tapped for a role at the Department of Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), but many portfolio posts for junior ministers and under-secretary positions haven’t been formally announced.

Who else is in the frame?

According to Next.io, they received information from the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) that Foxcroft, who has been an MP since 2015, was a leading contender to control the government’s gambling brief. However, she is likely to face some competition.

Yes, Stephanie Peacock, MP for Barnsley South, has been mooted as another potential candidate, and she has credentials. Peacock has served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Sport, Media, Civil Society and Youth since July 2024, and she is believed to be close to former BGC CEO Michael Dugher.

Foxcroft’s record on gambling

Although the report notes that Foxcroft’s interest in gambling policy is “nothing to write home about”, trawling back through her past responses to government motions would suggest that this isn’t necessarily the case.

Foxcroft lobbied to slash the maximum stakes placed on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) from £100 to £2 in April 2019. She also widely addressed the gambling endemic in June 2021 following the collapse of gambling website Football Index, which saw bettors lose thousands of pounds on a football stock market game.

At the time, Foxcroft said:

“I believe the law on gambling should be approached from a public health perspective to protect the vulnerable and particularly children and young people, but to allow others who choose to do so to gamble safely.

“We need fit-for-purpose, evidence-based regulation that is targeted effectively to reduce gambling-related harm, and that can keep up with the changing nature of gambling online. We must also ensure the right support is in place to tackle the highly serious matter of problem gambling.”

Changes afoot in the industry

Despite not having any close political or sentimental links to the betting industry, Andy Burnham is readying sweeping changes. Adult Gaming Centres (AGCs) have come under his gaze as a focal point, tying them in with vape shops.

Across the wider landscape, the notion of financial risk assessments (FRAs) has angered the betting community and put the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) in the firing line.

Although it was confirmed that the UKGC would publish an evidence-based report explaining the rationale behind the measures in the Autumn, a new gambling minister will have to get a grip on the matter.

Meanwhile, whoever claims the gambling brief will have to deal with the ongoing issue of black market betting. A study earlier this year showed that black market stakes could soar from £16.6 billion for 2025 to £33 billion by 2028, underlining the growing exodus of bettors from the regulated sphere.

Where does this leave Baroness Twycross?

Baroness Twycross appears to be the elephant room in relation to the gambling minister rumours. The incumbent has been portrayed as a bogeyman for the industry, with one gambling harms charity telling Next.io that she was “impossible to engage with” and a “more active and approachable” minister was required.

It is believed a decision on a fresh gambling minister could be reached by the end of the week. Whoever takes over will be expected to hit the ground running.