Rust Appointment
The United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) has announced that Nick Rust (OBE) will be taking the role of chair of the inaugural Industry Forum for Expert Insights. The new forum will be comprised of industry experts with the aim of providing the UKGC with further insight from operators.
The forum was announced by UKGC Chairman Marcus Boyle, with the official press release by the UKGC saying that it will sit alongside a range of stakeholder engagement initiatives, ensuring that all decisions are evidence-led and backed by the industry.
Wealth of Experience
Nick Rust comes into the role with a wealth of experience in the iGaming and sports-betting industries. He previously served as the Chief Executive of the British Horseracing Authority, taking charge of racing’s regulatory affairs for a five-year period between 2016 and 2021.
Following his success in this role, Rust has worked on several government-backed projects in the gambling space. He is currently the Chair of the Starting Price Regulatory Commission and a Non-Executive Director of Redcar Racecourse.
The Optimal Candidate
The UKGC announced the Industry Forum in September this year, stating that they would begin a detailed search for the best Chair and other supporting members would begin straight away. The initial press release stated the Chair of the Forum would be appointed on a three-year period.
The Commission also confirmed in its initial release that the remainder of the Forum would be made up of ten representatives from across different areas of the gambling industry. It wanted to emphasise the need for a diverse range of opinions to ensure the best possible outcomes for the industry.
Marcus Boyle, Chair of the Commission, spoke extremely highly of Rust, praising his extensive knowledge of the gambling sector, and saying that he was confident he was the right person to lead the forum. He described Rust as the ‘optimal candidate’ for the role and spoke with excitement about the launch of the Forum.
Period of Change
The launch of the Industry Forum is just one of several major changes and initiatives that have been made by the UKGC in 2023.
The publication of the White Paper in May has outlined a number of key changes that will be taking place in the coming years. The Industry Forum will give operators a chance to be involved with these changes, providing them with a chance to express their opinions and to ensure that decisions are being influenced by those within the industry, not just politicians.
