MORE CHANGES AT UK GAMBLING COMMISSION

17 August 2007

First the director of operations moves to Gibraltar, and now a change of chairman

The news earlier this week that the British Gambling Commission's director of operations, Phill Brears is leaving to become chief regulator in Gibraltar was followed today (Wednesday) by news of a change of chairmen.

Peter Dean is to make way for new chairman Brian Pomeroy, who had been appointed by the British minister for Culture, Media and Sport, James Purnell.

Pomeroy is currently the commissioner for the UK National Lottery and will take up his new post early in 2008.

The Department of Culture, Media and Sport has also announced that Peter Teague has been appointed as a commissioner and will take up his post on 1 September, when the UK’s Gambling Act formally comes into force.

Both Pomeroy and Teague have extensive experience in the financial services sector.

Culture minister Purnell said: “The Gambling Commission is a tough new regulator with stringent powers that allow them to take decisive action against operators who fail to meet the high standards required by the Act.”

Purnell praised Dean’s efforts in “guiding the Commission through implementation of the Gambling Act with great conviction, making it the effective regulator that it is today”.

Pomeroy promised: “My priority will be to make sure that the gambling industry meets the tough new standards required by the Act. In doing so, the Commission should not hesitate to use its array of new powers and sanctions to ensure that gambling remains fair and crime-free and that proper protections for children and vulnerable adults are in place.”

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