## Scully Takes the Helm of Gambling Act Review – iGB

Paul Scully is the fifth government official to take charge of the Gambling Act review. He was appointed to the position after Damian Collins announced his departure.

Scully takes over from Collins as the Minister for Technology and the Digital Economy at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). In this role, he will be responsible for gambling, particularly the Gambling Act review.

Scully is the fifth different minister to oversee the Gambling Act review.

The first, Nigel Huddleston, served from 2018 until March 2021, when he was succeeded by John Whittingdale. During that time, the government initiated the first phase of the review, a consultation on possible changes.

In March 2021, just before the consultation concluded, Huddleston was replaced by Whittingdale, who oversaw most of the drafting of the Gambling Act white paper. He was then moved from the position in the 2021 cabinet reshuffle, with Chris Philp becoming his replacement.

Philp continued to be involved in the writing of the white paper, which is anticipated to be released this summer, before he stepped down in July as part of a wave of resignations from senior government officials.

At that point in time, he stated that the review document had been delivered to the Prime Minister’s office.

However, following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s declaration of his resignation, Collins assumed responsibility for the gambling portfolio, postponing the publication of the white paper.

Despite Collins retaining his position after Liz Truss assumed the role of Prime Minister last month, he promptly departed the government after Rishi Sunak entered 10 Downing Street, being replaced by Scully.

Scully, the representative for Sutton and Cheam in London, was initially elected in 2015. He has served as Minister for London since 2020 and will maintain this position while concurrently assuming the new DCMS role. He also held the position of Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Small Business from 2020 until July 2022.

“I am thrilled to accept the new position of Minister for Technology at DCMS, and I am pleased to continue as Minister for London alongside numerous colleagues,” Scully stated.

Reactions from the industry

The UK’s industry association, the Betting and Gaming Council, expressed its approval of Scully’s appointment.

“Congratulations to [Paul Scully] on his appointment as DCMS Minister for Technology, with oversight of betting and gaming,” the organization declared.

Meanwhile, BGC chief executive Michael Dugher, while offering congratulations to Scully on his new role, also highlighted the economic impact of the gambling industry.

Its a pleasure to extend my felicitations to Paul Scully MP on his new role and to Michelle Donelan MP on her continued service as Minister of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, stated [name], representing a workforce of 119,000 individuals supported by our membership – spanning from bustling high streets to the hospitality sector, tourism, and the UK’s cutting-edge technology landscape. “Our sector generates £4.5 billion in tax revenue for the government and contributes £7.7 billion in added value to the national economy.

“We stand ready to collaborate with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport in identifying carefully crafted, balanced measures that strike the right chord. Our aim is to continue driving substantial change, elevating standards in responsible gambling, bolstering protections for the most vulnerable, while ensuring that 22.5 million individuals who engage in betting each month can enjoy their wagering activities safely, responsibly, and with the freedom to make their own choices.”

[Name] also expressed gratitude to Collins for his contributions to the position.

“I would also like to acknowledge the contributions of Damian Collins MP, a respected outgoing Minister who spearheaded the review, for his willingness to engage with our industry and comprehend our vital role in the economy,” [Name] remarked.

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