Following the recent departure of Chief Executive Andrew Rhodes, the UK regulatory Gambling Commission (UKGC) is losing another senior leader after Executive Director for Research and Policy Tim Miller confirmed he will step down in September.
Miller (pictured), in station for a decade, announced his departure via LinkedIn on Monday, writing: “I’ve decided it’s time for my next chapter.
“The Commission has been the most enjoyable and fulfilling part of my career so far, and I’ve been so lucky to work with such brilliant people who care deeply about getting regulation right.”
New Challenges
Miller played a central role in the Commission’s policy and research work throughout the Gambling Act review, becoming one of the Commission’s most recognisable public figures.
In an official press release, the UKGC said Miller’s significant achievements included overseeing the “development and launch of the Gambling Survey for Great Britain–the largest survey of its kind anywhere in the world–[and helped] to transform the evidence available to inform gambling regulation and policy.”
Under his tenure, the UKGC added, Miller also oversaw the widespread implementation of the Government’s Gambling Act Review White Paper, including new player protections and regulatory measures such as reforms to age verification, financial vulnerability checks, remote game design, direct marketing controls and wider measures to make gambling safer, fairer and free from crime.
September Departure
Confirming a September departure, Miller said: “I have worked at the Commission longer than anywhere else during my career and have found it the most rewarding and fulfilling role.
“In large part this has been due to the amazing and dedicated colleagues that I’ve had the pleasure to work alongside. That’s what made it a hard decision to leave, but after 10-years I felt ready.”
Asked about his career plans, Miller revealed: “I’ve always been a public servant, but am now looking forward to working for myself.
“This is going to include working internationally with a number of governments, regulators, and organisations that are focused on supporting the development of well-regulated and competitive [gambling] markets.”
UKGC Responds
Sarah Gardner, Acting Chief Executive of the Gambling Commission, said: “Tim has provided outstanding service to the commission.
“I would like to thank [him] for his significant contribution to gambling regulation and wish him every success in the future.”
Miller’s departure comes at a pivotal time for the UK gambling industry.
The industry is still reeling from the steep gambling tax increases introduced in April, and the rollout of financial vulnerability checks remains contentious amid ongoing concerns over the growth of the illicit market.
His successor will inherit a regulatory agenda that remains both challenging and politically significant as the commission strives to implement the Government’s gambling reforms.
