The UK has a new Gambling Minister, Chris Philip, who was chosen as part of a government reorganization.

Philip, who was recently named Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), has been given the Gambling Minister position.

The news of Philip’s appointment as Gambling Minister was confirmed on September 22nd. He has already spoken about the independent review of BetIndex regulation in his new role. The report found that the Gambling Commission was slow to act in regulating the failed operator Football Index, and that it was unaware for over three years that the operator was offering a product that may not have been authorized.

A DCMS representative confirmed that Philip will take over from John Whittingdale, who was dismissed last week, in overseeing the UK’s gambling industry. The representative stated that Philip’s full title and responsibilities have not been finalized, but they confirmed that he will be responsible for overseeing gambling matters, including the Gambling Act review.

As a backbench MP, Philip had advocated for stricter regulation of fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) before the 2018 decision to lower the maximum stake on FOBTs.

This stands in sharp contrast to Whittingdale, who headed a committee that suggested broadening the reach of machines before assuming responsibility for gambling.

As he gets ready to collaborate with Philip, Michael Dugher, head of the Betting and Gaming Council, emphasized the efforts undertaken by the gambling industry and the advancements it has achieved.

“On behalf of the 119,000 jobs supported by Betting and Gaming Council members, I extend a warm welcome to Chris Philip as the new Minister for Gambling,” Dugher stated. “He takes on this position with a strong reputation as a talented and capable minister.”

“We have made substantial strides towards the objectives outlined in the Gambling Review White Paper, and we are confident that the government will not wish to lose momentum.”

“Betting and Gaming Council members generate £4.5 billion in taxes for our public services and contribute £7.7 billion in added value to the economy, making it essential that the government continues to adopt an evidence-based approach, as it has done so far.”

“I look forward to working alongside Chris in the months ahead as the Betting and Gaming Council continues to drive significant change and higher standards in safer gambling, ensuring we strike a balance between safeguarding the vulnerable and guaranteeing that millions have the freedom to enjoy gambling safely and responsibly.”

Philip has served as the MP for Croydon South since 2015, previously holding junior positions in the Home Office and Ministry of Justice.

From 2019 to 2020, he held the position of Minister for London within the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

The 45-year-old political figure served as Vice Chairman of Conservative Party Policy between 2018 and 2019 and twice acted as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the current Health Secretary, Sajid Javid. He was a member of the Treasury Committee for two years and held committee roles related to the Nationality and Borders Bill and the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill.

Philip obtained his degree from University College, Oxford, and embarked on a career in entrepreneurship before being elected to Parliament in 2015.

The Gambling Act 2005 Review was initiated late last year and issued a call for evidence encompassing a variety of topics, including marketing, limitations, and the Gambling Commission. A white paper outlining the subsequent steps will be published later this year.

Oliver Dowden, who was then the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), stated in 2020 that the Gambling Act 2005 was undergoing a review to “modernize the Gambling Act for the digital era.”

Dowden was succeeded by Nadine Dorries as Culture Secretary in last week’s cabinet reshuffle.

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