DCMS veteran Sarah Fox to steer Gambling Commission’s policy and research division

The Gambling Commission has appointed Sarah Fox, a senior civil servant from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), as its new executive director for policy, research and statistics. She will also take on oversight of National Lottery regulation, filling part of the role vacated by outgoing executive director Tim Miller, who departs in September after a decade at the regulator.

Fox spent the last four years leading the gambling and lotteries team at DCMS, where she was instrumental in developing and executing the government’s gambling white paper. Her portfolio also included managing the recent transition of the National Lottery licence—culminating in the 2024 tender award to Allwyn—as well as overseeing society lotteries and horse racing.

During her time at the department, the DCMS pushed through several landmark reforms, including the review of the 2005 Gambling Act and subsequent measures such as online deposit limits. More recently, it introduced a voluntary code for prize draw competitions and launched a second consultation on banning gambling sponsorships linked to unlicensed operators.

Reflecting on her tenure, 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 keen to help the Commission continue “making gambling safer, fairer and crime free”.

Acting Gambling Commission chief executive Sarah Gardner welcomed the appointment, saying: “We are incredibly fortunate to have someone with Sarah’s experience joining us.” Gardner highlighted Fox’s background as vital for steering the “final stages of the implementation of the white paper”, evaluating the impact of reforms, and safeguarding National Lottery players. Fox brings more than 23 years of civil service experience, having worked at the Home Office, Department of Health and Social Care, Cabinet Office, and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.