Boyle is set to step down from his role as chairman of the Gambling Commission on January 31, 2025, concluding a tenure of over three years. His successor, Counsell, will begin a nine-month term starting the next day, as confirmed by the regulator on December 18.
Having held the position of senior independent director at the Gambling Commission since April 2024, Counsell is well-prepared for his new role. His involvement with the organization began in September 2023 when he joined as a non-executive director.
Before his time at the Gambling Commission, Counsell was the CEO of the pensions regulator for four years. His career also includes serving as the executive director of automatic enrolment within the same organization.
While leading the pensions regulator, Counsell was instrumental in devising a new corporate strategy. He also introduced pioneering strategies focusing on equality, diversity, inclusion, and climate change.
Between his two periods at the pensions regulator, Counsell spent 18 months as the CEO of the Money Advice Service.
### Counsell to Oversee Implementation of New Gambling Reforms
Counsell joins the Gambling Commission as it enters a phase of significant transformation. Recently, the government unveiled a series of reforms following the Gambling Act Review and the release of a white paper.
One major reform is the introduction of a statutory levy on gambling profits, which will replace the existing voluntary system. This levy is set to range from 0.1% to 1.1% of gross gambling yield (GGY), varying based on sector, type of vertical, and the kind of gambling services each business provides.
The government’s aim is to generate an additional £100 million (€121 million/$126 million) through this levy, with its implementation expected sometime next year.
Another significant regulatory change concerns stake limits on online slots. Players aged 18 to 24 will soon be restricted to a maximum bet of £2 per spin, while the limit will be set at £5 for those over 25.