Founding chair of Stop Scams UK takes over following Charles Counsell’s period as interim chair of the UK gambling regulator
Britain’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has appointed Ruth Evans as the new chair of the Gambling Commission.
The five-year term begins on 30 September and follows Charles Counsell’s period as interim chair, who stepped into the role following Marcus Boyle’s departure in January 2025.
“I am pleased to announce Ruth Evans as the incoming chair of the Gambling Commission,” said DCMS Secretary of State Lisa Nandy. “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 is a prominent UK regulatory figure and consumer champion, best known for her role as chair of Stop Scams UK.
Over four decades, she has held high-profile leadership positions across charities, public regulatory bodies, and financial oversight boards, consistently focusing on public protection, consumer rights and institutional accountability.
She has served as chair of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA), where she safeguarded public funds by regulating MPs’ pay and expenses. Additionally, she was the first chair of the Bar Standards Board, and served as a non-executive director for the Serious Fraud Office.
Today, Evans is best known for her pioneering work in combatting financial crime and protecting fraud victims. In 2018, she chaired the steering group that delivered a landmark voluntary industry code to reimburse victims of Authorised Push Payment (APP) bank transfer scams.
She has also recently been appointed chair of the Criminal Legal Aid Advisory Board.
“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,” said Evans. “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.
“I look forward to working with the Commission to encourage online safety for UK citizens that strengthen consumer protections while supporting a responsible, innovative and sustainable gambling 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 added: “We are delighted to welcome Ruth as the new chair of the Gambling Commission. Ruth’s regulatory and consumer experience will be invaluable to the Board as we continue our work to make gambling safer, fairer and crime-free.
“She joins the Gambling Commission at an important time for the gambling sector and the Commission. As we develop a new strategy, ramp up our world leading work to tackle illegal gambling and complete our part in the implementation of the Gambling Act Review, Ruth’s role will be pivotal in the years ahead.”