UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) CEO Neil McArthur has resigned. The shocking announcement comes in the aftermath of the gaming agency facing public criticism for not better regulating the Football Index.
UK Gambling Commission CEO Neil McArthur is seen here in 2019 delivering the regulator’s plan for the 2019-20 fiscal year. McArthur abruptly stepped down today, March 16, 2021. (Image: SBC News)
McArthur has been with the UKGC for nearly 15 years. He joined the agency in 2006 as general counsel and rose to the role of chief executive in 2018.
McArthur’s tenure as CEO oversaw numerous regulatory reforms. Most were aimed at better protecting players and preventing potential societal harms from the rapidly changing digital gaming industry. His leadership included the banning of gambling on credit cards, enhanced verification age checks, and stricter operating policies for iGaming products.
BBC News
By Russell Hotten
image copyrightGetty Images
image captionQueens Park Rangers said on Friday it had now removed Football Index sponsorship from its shirts.
It s been sleepless nights and cold sweats for customers of Football Index, the gambling company whose collapse into administration has left people facing huge losses. I feel embarrassed and cheated, Ben told the BBC. He s not alone. Social media and online chat threads are alight with anger and dismay at the rapid demise of one of the UK s fastest growing betting firms.
In the couple of weeks before Football Index called in administrators to run the business, Ben, aged 22, lost more than £4,000 in seven days, £1,400 of which disappeared in 24 hours. It s now possible he will lose all his £6,500 deposit in the firm.
Neil McArthur Resigns as British Gambling Commission CEO During Major Regulatory Review
3 Min read
The chief executive of Great Britain’s Gambling Commission has resigned during the industry’s biggest regulatory review since 2005.
Neil McArthur resigned as CEO of the UK’s Gambling Commission during a crucial time for the country’s betting and gaming laws.
Neil McArthur’s resignation was unexpected and comes with immediate effect after 15 years of service. It also comes at a turbulent time for the Gambling Commission, following the collapse of a licensed betting site known as Football Index.
McArthur won’t oversee British Gambling Act update
BBC News
By Russell Hotten
image captionQueens Park Rangers has now removed Football Index sponsorship from its shirts.
A group of MPs has written to Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden calling for a public inquiry into the collapse of gambling website Football Index.
They say it is a scandal and shows the need to reform the gambling sector.
The firm has suspended operations and appointed administrators, sparking an outcry from punters whose money is still locked up in the business.
There are reports gamblers could lose more than £90m, with some now seeking legal advice about possible claims.
In their letter, the MPs on the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Gambling Related Harm estimate that Football Index punters have lost £3,000 each on average.