Blondel Cluff, held the role of a chair of the National Lottery Community Fund for two years until her early resignation dating back to last summer. As a result, Paul Sweeney was appointed to the role of interim chair on August 1, 2023, for a 1-year contract or until a permanent chair is appointed, whichever is sooner.

Now, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) initiated the search for a new National Lottery Community Fund chair earlier this week. Details regarding the job position were released publicly by the DCMS. January 10 marked the opening date for applications with the deadline for submission of applications set for February 7, 2024, at 11:59 PM. The first interviews are expected to start on April 17, 2024, but the DCMS confirmed that the aforementioned timelines may be subject to change.

The search for a permanent chair of the National Lottery Community Fund comes after recently it launched its new strategy, “It starts with community,” setting a number of objectives through 2030. Under the new strategy, the Fund anticipates distributing some £4 billion ($5.1 billion) of funding by 2030. This funding will provide vital support for different community projects. Throughout 2023, the Fund made nearly 14,000 grants, representing one grand for every 7 minutes.

The Vacant Role Represents an Incredible Opportunity

The new chair of the Fund is expected to have a deep understanding of the charity and community sectors. According to the criteria for the role, the successful candidate must have “a track record of strategic leadership in civil society, public service, or business,” along with pristine interpersonal and communication skills. Additionally, the preferred candidate for the chair role should demonstrate commitment to the Fund’s mission, among other relevant requirements.

“This is an incredible opportunity to Chair a high-profile UK public body that places social connections and community activities at the heart of creating healthier, happier lives and a flourishing society,“

reads the description of the role released by the DCMS

The remuneration listed for the Fund’s chair position is £40,000 annually in exchange for two working days per week. The term of the contract is listed as four years which is not uncommon considering that the former chair was appointed in February 2021 for a contract that was expected to run through February 2025.

Earlier this week, Brigid Simmonds, the chair of the Betting and Gaming Council, confirmed her plans to exit the organization. Simmonds confirmed she will step down effective from April 20, 2024. The vacant role will be filled by Michael Dugher, who will step in as the new chair of the BGC, effective from April 21, 2023.

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Brigid Simmonds, chair of Britain’s Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), will step down on April 20, 2024, the industry standards body announced. The announcement also noted that Michael Dugher, the council’s chief executive officer, will step in as the new chair from April 21.

Brigid Simmonds has served the BGC since its inception in 2019 and has been instrumental in its development. Having served the body for four years and a half, Simmonds will finally depart, leaving behind an organization that is stronger than ever.

The outgoing chair said that the opportunity to serve the BGC and represent some 110,000 gambling industry workers for almost half a decade has been a privilege. She said that she really enjoyed working with all BGC members to raise standards within the industry, create a culture of safer gaming and build public trust.

Simmonds thanked everyone who has supported her throughout her years as the BGC’s chairman.

I would like to thank the Executive Committee, colleagues, members, charities and stakeholders, who have supported me and worked very hard to deliver all of the achievements of which the BGC is rightly proud.

Brigid Simmonds, outgoing chair, Betting and Gaming Council

Simmonds recently defended Safer Gambling Week, highlighting the industry’s commitment to responsible practices.

Dugher Will Succeed Simmonds as Chair

Michael Dugher, the council’s chief executive officer, paid tribute to Brigid, thanking her for the incredible work she has done for the organization. He highlighted her contribution in launching the organization and bringing together the different sectors. Dugher also praised the outgoing chair’s change program that sought to raise standards on safer gambling.

Brigid is a high-integrity leader who is rightly held in huge regard, not just in the betting and gaming industry, but across so many other industries and sectors, and across the political divide.

Michael Dugher, CEO, Betting and Gaming Council

In the meantime, Dugher said that he is looking forward to welcoming a new CEO in the spring and assuming the role of chairman. He promised that he would leverage his new position to continue raising the safer gambling standards in the UK.

The BGC reiterated its support for high standards and balanced, proportionate and effective reforms. Some of the measures outlined in the white paper were promoted by the BGC, helping Britain usher in a new age of safer gambling.

For reference, BGC members support over 110,000 jobs, contribute some £7.1 billion to the economy and raise £4.2 billion in taxes to fund vital public services.

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Simmonds staunchly defended Safer Gambling Week, denouncing critics who she claims attacked the campaign due to their general aversion towards betting and gaming activities. The yearly campaign has enjoyed resounding success, uniting the UK gambling industry in support of gambling harm prevention and awareness. Simmonds was adamant that regulated operators adhered to strict guidelines and prioritized customer safety.

Last Year’s Event Was a Resounding Success

Simmonds highlighted the overwhelming success of Safer Gambling Week 2023, which extended beyond physical gambling venues such as betting shops, casinos, and bingo clubs, aiming to encourage conversations around responsible gambling. Simmonds noted a substantial positive impact from last year’s campaign, with around 200,000 accounts setting deposit limits and a remarkable 300% increase in players actively using reality checks.

Last year’s campaign also achieved impressive success online, garnering over 50 million impressions across major platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, marking a 70% increase from the previous year. Additionally, the Safer Gambling Week website witnessed half a million visits, indicating a significant uptake in accessing advice and support resources.

This truly was a whole industry endeavor; online, in betting shops, in bingo halls and casinos.

Bridgid Simmonds, BGC Chair

Simmonds reiterated the industry’s commitment to promoting responsible gambling, noting that the vast majority of participants engaged in gambling safely. She acknowledged the significance of addressing problem gambling while emphasizing the need to raise standards and promote responsible gaming practices, contributing to a sustainable, player-oriented market.

Simmonds Attempted to Deflect Rising Criticisms

Speaking for Politics Home, Simmonds expressed dismay at persistent criticism from certain quarters despite robust support from the government, independent regulators, and cross-party parliamentary backing. She accused detractors of merely disliking the gambling and gaming industry, thus undermining efforts to enhance industry standards.

They are not interested in genuine attempts to drive up standards – they simply dislike betting and gaming – and by extension, dislike those who enjoy it.

Bridgid Simmonds, BGC Chair

The BGC Chair highlighted the organization’s ongoing efforts beyond Safer Gambling Week, asserting the continuation of responsible gambling initiatives throughout the year. Simmonds confirmed that the BGC would continue dedicating time and resources to amplifying safer gambling tools and broadening support avenues for those in need.

Simmonds’s statements come during a tumultuous time for the UK gambling sector as the government finalizes consultations on its gambling white paper. Recent revelations regarding politicians receiving donations from the BGC raised lobbying concerns, while a proposed gambling tax increase caused further friction. While the industry’s safe gambling efforts are commendable, it should not so easily dismiss valid criticisms.

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Two days after naming an ex-Washington Commanders executive as SVP of strategic communications, the American Gaming Association (AGA) has elected Michael Rumbolz as its new chairman.

Rumbolz currently serves as the executive chair of Everi Holdings’ board. As chair of the AGA, he will succeed Hard Rock International Chairman and Seminole Gaming CEO Jim Allen. The new appointee’s term is set to begin in January 2024.

Rumbolz boasts a colorful track record that saw him rise “from a busboy to the c-suite,” the AGA said. His career spans across all levels and aspects of the gaming industry with experience encompassing gaming equipment manufacturing and distribution, hotel and casino operations, casino financial technology, iGaming and compliance.

Some of the hire’s most notable prior positions include time as chief executive officer of Everi Holdings, member and chair of the Nevada Gaming Control Board and chief deputy attorney general of Nevada.

Rumbolz’ predecessor, Allen, played a key role in the industry’s impressive post-COVID recovery and the war on illegal gambling. The new hire will be responsible for maintaining the existing momentum and reinforcing the industry.

Rumbolz Will Be a Valuable Asset to the AGA

Rumbolz commented on his new position, expressing his gratitude about the opportunity to help shape gaming’s future. He promised to leverage his new position to build on the progress his predecessor made.

From stopping illegal gambling to evolving responsible gambling, the AGA is tackling transformational issues and I am eager to build on the progress made during Jim’s tenure.

Michael Rumbolz, chair, AGA

Bill Miller, the AGA’s president and chief executive officer, welcomed the new hire on board, praising him as “an industry legend in his own right.” Miller is certain that Rumbolz’ prior career has taught him all the skills needed to make him an invaluable addition to the AGA team.

Mike’s career as an operator, manufacturer and regulator is unparalleled and will be vital to driving meaningful progress on industry priorities.

Bill Miller, president & CEO, AGA

Miller also commented on Allen’s departure, thanking him for his exceptional service and help in maximizing the AGA’s impact on the industry. The CEO described the outgoing chair as a “trusted advisor” and said that he is thankful for his partnership.

Allen also shared his thoughts on the matter, saying that the AGA is poised for reshaping the industry under Miller and Rumbolz’ leadership. He concluded: “Our industry and this association have never been stronger. I am immensely proud of our success over the last two years accelerating gaming’s recovery while defining and advancing new priorities.”

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On November 27, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, PSI, and WynnBet presented their sports wagering Q3 results to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) chaired by Catherine Judd-Stein. 

The four operators took the opportunity to update the regulator on their recorded revenue and various approaches to a variety of initiatives including responsible gambling (RG), lottery engagement, and diversity in sports betting.

Chair Judd-Stein raised a series of concerns as a result of the presented data on responsible gambling tools, with emphasis on the low rate of utilization among consumers in the Bay State. 

DraftKings, Asked to Improve its RG Figures 

During the meeting, DraftKings, represented by senior director of regulatory operations, Jake List, explained that less than 0.1% of their customers had actively used time limits. 

Moreover, only 2.3% of them used deposit limits while 0.13% were reported using spending limits. Wager limits were only imposed by 0.4% of all users. 

Judd-Stein expressed her dissatisfaction with the numbers, asking Draftings to take action toward improving the figures. She further added that the regulator’s director of research of RG had also shown concern over the fact that “the patrons just are not utilizing” the tools. 

The chairwoman emphasized the need to make RG tools appear to be “cool” in order to stimulate customers in the state to use them while welcoming any idea that DraftKings might wish to use to “get the folks to use these.”

List responded to the chairwoman’s observations by explaining that while they will continue to push for the destigmatization of RG tools, the small percentages presented in their report actually equated to thousands of people. 

Few Minor Betting Examples

The open meeting also saw the four licensees reporting single-digit or zero examples of minors betting. 

Commissioners wanted to know the measures taken by operators to identify these examples while tackling bad parenting practices that enable children to bet using the accounts of adults in the household.

Caesars Digital’s compliance manager, Curtis Lane Jr, emphasized that while this is a difficult task, some indicators including sudden location or IP address changes might be used as hints of these offenses occurring.

DraftKings spoke about the advanced Know Your Customer tools they rely on to establish when these offenses take place, including their geo-compliant tool that matches players’ phones to see if they are recognized from other types of things they had signed up to. This way, the operator can recognize the devices used to sign up to its platform.

MGC’s commissioner, Jordan Maynard, said he did not trust that the underage betting numbers presented by the operators were “zero or single digits” when more than 70% of the 3,527 people surveyed in the National Collegiate Athletic Association survey were too young or unable to gamble for the survey. Maynard expressed disbelief at the fact that operators are currently doing everything in their power to prevent minors from gambling. 

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Defending the sport’s right to benefit from responsible betting sponsorship, English Football League (EFL) Chairman Rick Parry emphasized that there were no magic answers to eliminate addiction issues, calling for empathy and support for affected players. His statements closely follow several betting scandals, highlighting the contentious nature of gambling partnerships.

Education and Rehabilitation Efforts Remain a Priority

The recent 10-month ban imposed on Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali due to gambling addiction has intensified scrutiny of soccer’s relationship with betting. Parry, defending the sport’s association with betting companies, stated that the industry had generated billions since the 2005 Gambling Act, noting that marketing agreements channeled some of this revenue back into sports.

According to Parry, the EFL had commissioned extensive research and did not see any correlation between sponsorships and increased gambling harm. He noted that eliminating the issue would be incredibly challenging, so the organization focused on minimizing problem gambling through various initiatives.

Educating players is something we’ve been doing for at least the last five years, and we’ll continue to do more of that.

Rick Parry, EFL chairman

Parry remained convinced that individuals would gamble regardless of the sponsorships, noting that prohibition was not a viable solution. He added that the recent cases in Italy demonstrated that rehabilitation was just as needed as punishment, and investing more resources in identifying and aiding players with genuine addiction problems could lead to significant improvements.

June saw the EFL renew its collaboration with operator Sky Bet, extending it through the 2028-29 Season. The two partners reaffirmed their commitment to deliver financial support to communities in England and Wales via the Sky Bet EFL Community Fund. This collaboration received praise from the UK government as a socially responsible model.

Chairman Parry was adamant that this partnership would not impact players, stating that some athletes would still choose to wager regardless of sponsorships. He emphasized the need for responsible marketing arrangements and improved gambling operator accountability, noting that such measures would be significantly more beneficial for players and non-players.

Parry’s observations happened during the ongoing EFL Week of Action, highlighting the organization’s life-changing community work as all 72 member clubs unite to make a positive impact. Despite his reassurances, the balance between responsible betting partnerships and addressing addiction concerns remains a hotly contested topic in the soccer landscape as stakeholders search for an optimal solution.

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The United Kingdom’s Gambling Commission (UKGC) has announced the appointment of Nick Rust as the chairman of its Industry Forum. According to the regulator, Rust will step into the office in November and will serve an initial two-year term.

The UKGC noted that its Industry Forum will be made up of members from the United Kingdom’s gambling sector. Its job will be to provide the gambling watchdog with insight into how the gambling industry feels about the Commission’s regulatory plans.

As announced by the UKGC, Rust has a significant track record in the gambling and sports sectors. His past experience includes a successful six-year tenure as the chief executive officer of the British Horseracing Authority. In addition to that, Rust currently serves as the chairman of the Starting Price Regulatory Commission. He is also a non-executive director of Redcar Racecourse.

The UKGC added that Rust is a founding partner of GVS EQ, a company that specializes in equine sports. He is also a trustee of the Injured Jockeys Fund.

Marcus Boyle, the UKGC’s chairman, welcomed Rust on board. He praised his knowledge of the gambling sector, saying that his input will be invaluable.

I am delighted that Nick has been appointed as the inaugural Chair of the Commission’s Industry Forum. Nick’s extensive knowledge of the gambling sector makes him a valuable asset, and I am confident he will work with us to create a productive and insightful Industry Forum.

Marcus Boyle, chair, UKGC

The UKGC Moves Toward Implementing the White Paper Measures

In the meantime, the UKGC continues to evaluate and move toward implementing the measures outlined in the Gambling Act white paper. However, its plans to introduce affordability checks continue to dismay both consumers and gambling companies.

A recent petition, for example, seeks to convince the government to abandon its affordability checks plans. The petition currently has almost 75,000 signatures. Gamblers argue that the measure would make their hobby unsustainable, despite the UKGC’s efforts to convince them that the checks would be seamless and non-intrusive.

Andrew Rhodes from the UKGC has been increasingly vocal about the alleged intentional efforts to misinform the British public about the true nature of the checks. During the recent IAGR conference, he reaffirmed his position, slamming the efforts to “muddy the waters of debate and to torpedo the implementation.”

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René Jansen, the current board chairman of the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), will not reapply for the position once his term expires. As announced by the authority, Jansen has opted not to continue his work because he will reach retirement age at the end of 2023.

According to the KSA, the outgoing chair’s current term is set to expire on October 1, 2024, meaning that he still has several months remaining at the helm of the Dutch regulator. However, he will likely vacate the position on July 1, 2024.

The KSA is already on the lookout for Jansen’s successor. The next KSA chair will be appointed by the Netherlands’ Minister for Legal Protection and will serve a mandate of six years, according to the announcement.

The KSA added that the recruitment of a new chair will be done through the General Administrative Service (ABD). Interested parties can file applications by November 12, 2023. The approved candidate is set to step into the office on July 1, 2024, the same date as Jansen’s resignation.

Jansen Said His Successor Will Have a Lot to Do  

René Jansen commented on his departure, expressing his thoughts on the matter. He noted that the recent years saw him fully committed to the Kansspelautoriteit’s mission to protect the Dutch market from fraud and gambling harm. He said that it has been a pleasure to lead the KSA but added that there will be many great challenges to his successor.

Jansen added that the KSA has a huge responsibility toward the Dutch market. This management position, he added, is challenging and “requires creativity, innovation and decisiveness.” Above all, the KSA’s mission has great social value, Jansen concluded.

In other news, the KSA just published its 2022 Market Scan and provided insights into the performance of the regulated Dutch market. The scan complements the recently published industry report that highlighted the need for evolving responsible gambling practices.

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TAB NZ, the single racing sports betting agency in New Zealand, confirmed changes to its senior-level management earlier this week. The company revealed that Hon Kieran McAnulty, the Minister for Racing, appointed Anna Stove as the new interim chair of TAB NZ, replacing its current chair, Mark Stewart, who will be stepping down at the end of this month. The appointment of Stove as interim chair will be in effect as of September 1, 2023, TAB NZ reveals.

It was at the start of the 2021/2022 financial year that TAB NZ selected Stewart as its chair. The company acknowledged that he helped navigate it through a “transformative change” and highlighted the importance of the recent strategic collaboration with Entain.

Judging by the recently released statement, TAB NZ revealed that Bill Birnie, Wendie Harvey and Raewyn Lovett will retain their roles with the Board, joined by Stove. However, the company said that Jason Fleming has taken the decision to resign from his position with the Board to pursue another role with TAB NZ’s management team as general manager commercial.

Earlier this summer, in June, TAB NZ launched its agreement with Entain. The strategic combination is already having a positive impact, fueled by Entain’s leading services and products.

Stove, Delighted to Spearhead TAB’s Growth

Despite the nature of the interim role, the new position with TAB NZ represents a promotion for Stove who has been holding the role of deputy chair since August 1, 2021. She thanked the outgoing chair and acknowledged his dedication and efforts. “I am very excited to be picking up the reins as we pay particular focus to working with the Government on modernizing New Zealand’s gambling settings,” said Stove.

“A legislative net which restores TAB NZ’s monopoly in the modern, online world will not only result in better harm minimization outcomes for Kiwi punters, but would also see an immediate funding uplift to racing and sport.“

Anna Stove, upcoming interim chair of TAB NZ

Commenting on the topic, Stewart added that he is proud of the legacy he helped create at TAB NZ while he was at the helm of the company. Speaking about the past, he acknowledged the success the company has seen in the last few years and spoke about the importance of the partnership with Entain.

Additionally, Stewart said that it is delightful to see Stove at the helm of TAB NZ as interim chair. “We have benefited from her governance experience in racing and commercial acumen over the last couple of years,” he added. Last but not least, he thanked TAB NZ’s management team for their ongoing support, hard work and dedication.

“We are indebted to Mark for generously giving his time to TAB NZ.“

Nick Roberts, CEO at TAB NZ

Nick Roberts, TAB NZ’s CEO, praised the efforts and dedication of Stewart, as well as the success his leadership brought. Finally, the CEO explained that under Stewart’s leadership, TAB NZ was able to reach tens of thousands of residents across the country and positively impact their lives.

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The UK’s DCMS announced that the Secretary of State Lucy Frazer has appointed Paul Sweeney as the interim chairman of The National Lottery Community Fund. The announcement described Sweeney as a seasoned individual with years of experience in the voluntary, community and public sectors in Northern Ireland.

The announcement added that Sweeney will serve in the role for 12 months starting August 1, 2023, or until a permanent substitute has been appointed. In his position, he will be remunerated at £40,000 a year (around $51,000).

The interim appointment, the announcement added, was made as an exceptional appointment without completion. The DCMS also added that Sweeney has not been involved in any political activity in the last five years.

Sweeney Has a Wealth of Experience in the Non-Profit Sector

Between 1987 and 1994, Sweeney served as the director of the Northern Ireland Voluntary Trust, a local community-oriented charity supporting self-help initiatives.

In 1994, the appointee joined the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS). At first, he served as an adviser on community development and reconciliation. Eventually, Sweeney was promoted to a number of senior positions, including deputy secretary in the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister, permanent secretary in the Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure and permanent secretary in the Department of Education

In 2017, Sweeney departed from the NICS to pursue other opportunities. Since then, he has had short stints with several charity organizations, primarily focused on regeneration, culture and young people.

On June 1, 2021, Sweeney was named chair of The National Lottery Community Fund’s Northern Ireland Funding Committee.

Allwyn to Take Over the National Lottery in 2024

Sweeney’s appointment comes ahead of Allwyn’s takeover of the United Kingdom’s National Lottery. Last year, the UKGC appointed Allwyn as the next National Lottery operator – a fact that the incumbent operator, Camelot, was initially unamused with.

As a result, Camelot tried to block the licensing process, claiming that the UKGC had favored its competitor. The conflict lasted several months but in the end, Camelot conceded, allowing the commission to crown Allwyn as the next National Lottery operator. Allwyn is set to take over the National Lottery in February 2024.

Shortly after the conflict ended, Allwyn expressed its intention to acquire Camelot, which it did a few months later.

In May, the UK National Lottery recorded stable growth, attesting to its popularity. In the meantime, Allwyn picked Leo Burnett and VCCP as joint creative advertising agencies.

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