Leadership Change at BGC Bidding Farewell to a Prominent UK iGaming Difference-maker.
Published March 23, 2021 by Lee R
Neil McArthur is stepping down from the British Gaming Council's top spot.
A major change has been announced at the top of the UK regulator British Gaming Commission, with Neil McArthur leaving his post as BGC's Chief Executive Officer
McArthur's Journey
After joining the regulator in 2006, McArthur ascended to the post as interim chief executive in 2017, succeeding Sarah Harrison before being appointed to the position permanently in April 2017.
Bidding Goodbye
McArthur praised the strides the BGC has made on his way out:
“I am proud of everything the Gambling Commission has achieved during my 15 years with the organisation. “We have taken significant steps forward to make gambling fairer and safer and I know that I leave the organisation in a strong position to meet its future challenges.”
Timing
McArthur said that the current rigorous review of the existing guidelines made for the appropriate moment of departure, with the ongoing review providing “the right time to step away and allow a new chief executive to lead the Commission on the next stage in its journey.”
Milestones
Key moments that McArthur saw in his years shepherding one of the industry's most prominent and influential regulators included the ban on credit card use; major changes to online slots play; and the launch of the government’s Gambling Act review last year.
Current Controversies
Controversies incoming leadership include BGC's suspension of the licence of the “football stock market” Football Index; and the National Audit Office's questioning of the sufficiency of BGC's resources.
Commission Chair Bids Adieu
Commission chair Bill Moyes fondly wished McArthur farewell, thanking McArthur on behalf of the Board and praising the amount of BGC achievements during McArthur's tenure:
“Neil can rightly feel proud of the organisation’s progress during his tenure as chief executive.”
Interim Replacements
McArthur will be replaced jointly by deputy chief executive Sarah Gardner and chief operating officer Sally Jones until the search for McArthur’s permanent replacement concludes.
About the New Leadership
Gardner joined the Gambling Commission as executive director in 2009, then deputy chief executive in June 2020; Jones arrived last October from education nonprofit Ambitious Futures.
Outlook
This is a bold new time for UK regulation, and McArthur's footprint will long be visible on the development of BGC's revamped regulations.
