The consumer protection specialist will begin a five-year term on 30 September, succeeding Interim Chair Charles Counsell
The appointment gives the Gambling Commission a permanent Chair as it develops a new strategy, completes reforms arising from the Gambling Act Review and increases its work against illegal gambling.
Ruth Evans has been appointed by Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. Her five-year term will begin on 30 September 2026.
Evans will succeed Charles Counsell OBE, who has served as Interim Chair since February 2025. Counsell took over after the departure of Marcus Boyle in January of that year.
Consumer protection and regulatory experience
Evans has worked in consumer protection, regulation and public accountability for more than four decades.
She currently chairs Stop Scams UK, which brings together banks, technology companies and telecommunications providers to tackle fraud and support victims.
In 2018, Evans chaired the steering group responsible for developing a voluntary industry code covering the reimbursement of victims of Authorised Push Payment bank transfer scams.
Her previous positions include Chair of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, where she oversaw the regulation of MPs’ pay and expenses. She was also the first Chair of the Bar Standards Board.
Evans spent nine years as a lay member of the General Medical Council and chaired its Standards and Ethics Committee. She has also served as a Non-Executive Director of the Serious Fraud Office and was recently appointed Chair of the Criminal Legal Aid Advisory Board.
Appointment comes during continuing regulatory reform
Evans will join the Gambling Commission as regulatory changes continue to be introduced across the British gambling sector.
The Commission is completing its role in implementing measures arising from the Gambling Act Review. It is also increasing enforcement activity against unlicensed gambling and preparing a new organisational strategy.
Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
“I am pleased to announce Ruth Evans as the incoming Chair of the Gambling Commission. She becomes Chair at this incredibly important time, supporting a sustainable, thriving industry with the essential protections needed to prevent harm.
“I would also like to thank Charles Counsell OBE for his leadership of the Gambling Commission since February 2025. He has been a passionate and diligent Chair, and we owe him our gratitude.”
Evans calls for collaboration and proportionate regulation
Evans said her experience had shown that cooperation between regulators, businesses and technology providers can produce stronger consumer protection.
Ruth Evans, incoming Chair of the Gambling Commission
“I am delighted to have been appointed Chair of the Gambling Commission at a time when its role in keeping gambling fair, safe and crime-free is more important than ever.
“Throughout my career in consumer protection, I have seen that the best outcomes are achieved through effective collaboration between regulators, industry and the technology sector.
“By combining proportionate regulation with partnership and shared responsibility, we can build greater public confidence and create lasting benefits for consumers and the wider economy.”
Counsell said Evans’ regulatory and consumer experience would be valuable as the Commission develops its strategy, tackles illegal gambling and completes its part in the Gambling Act Review reforms.
BGC welcomes the new Chair
The Betting and Gaming Council also welcomed the appointment and said it expected to work constructively with Evans, the regulator and the Government.
Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council
“We welcome Ruth Evans’ appointment as Chair of the Gambling Commission and wish her every success in the role.
“The BGC looks forward to working constructively with Ruth, the Gambling Commission and Government as regulatory reforms continue to be implemented across the sector.
“Our members remain committed to delivering the highest standards of consumer protection while supporting a sustainable, well-regulated industry that contributes billions to the economy, supports tens of thousands of jobs and provides vital funding for British sport.”
Under the Gambling Act 2005, responsibility for appointing the Gambling Commission Chair rests with the Secretary of State. An advisory assessment panel assisted ministers during the selection process.
