Gambling Commission taps DCMS for policy, research and statistics lead

Sarah Fox, a senior civil servant from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) will lead the Gambling Commission’s policy, research and statistics functions.

Announced on Wednesday, Fox will take over parts of outgoing executive director for policy and research Tim Miller‘s role, while also overseeing National Lottery regulation.

Miller will leave the commission in September after ten years of service.

‘Making gambling safer, fairer and crime free’

Fox spent the past four years heading the gambling and lotteries team at DCMS, and played a key role in developing and implementing the government’s gambling white paper.

She also managed the National Lottery licence’s most recent transition, including overseeing the tender being awarded to Allwyn in 2024. Fox also oversaw society lotteries and horse racing under he previous remit.

During her time overseeing various gambling efforts at the department, the DCMS has implemented various significant changes across the gambling sector, including the review of the 2005 Gambling Act and subsequent actions like online deposit limits.

More recently it announced the the Voluntary Code for prize draws competitions, and opened a second consultation on whether it should ban gambling sponsorships tied to unlicensed operators.

Fox has over 23 years of civil service experience across various key government departments including the Home Office, Department of Health and Social Care, Cabinet Office, and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

ON her time covering gambling Fox said: “So much has been achieved over a time that has been significant for the gambling sector and everyone with an interest in it.”

She added that she was eager to support “making gambling safer, fairer and crime free.”

From one Sarah to another

Acting Gambling Commission Chief Executive Sarah Gardner welcomed Fox’s appointment, highlighting its importance for advancing the “final stages of the implementation of the white paper,” assessing the reforms’ impact, and ensuring the protection of National Lottery players.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have someone with Sarah’s experience joining us,” said Gardner.

On her move Fox added: “Over the last four years I’ve seen first-hand the work of the Commission, and the expertise, talent and enthusiasm of its teams. So much has been achieved over a time that has been significant for the gambling sector and everyone with an interest in it.

“The opportunity to cross over to the commission and help the team continue making gambling safer, fairer and crime free is one I am really excited to take.”