Responsible Gaming Strategy Board appoints new chair
Sir Christopher Kelly replaces Sir Brian Pomeroy in the role with the gambling advisory body.
The Responsible Gaming Strategy Board (RGSB) – an advisory body which communicates regularly with the UK Gambling Commission – has named Sir Christopher Kelly as its new chair.
The independent body is currently chaired by Sir Brian Pomeroy on an interim basis, however Sir Christopher, who previously served as chairman of charity NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children), will assume the role on 1 April.
Sir Christopher said in a statement that he was “Delighted…to have the opportunity to play a part in continuing to develop the strategy toward responsible gambling.”
The RGSB advises the Gambling Commission and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) on matters pertaining to responsible gaming at a national level.
Sir Christopher’s arrival comes as progress is being made with regards to egaming regulation in the United Kingdom, with the government last month unveiling a new draft bill aimed at introducing point of consumption taxation as well as a licensing regime for UK-facing operators.
Ahead of taking on the role, Sir Christopher will resign his post as chair of the Committee on Standards in Public Life.
UK Gambling Commission chairman Philip Graf said of the appointment: “[Sir Christopher’s] wealth of experience in different sectors will be invaluable as RGSB continues to refine its research, education and harm prevention strategy and to deliver authoritative, independent advice to the Commission.
“Our aim is to ensure that when people gamble they do so safely “ but where problems occur, escalation of harm is prevented and appropriate treatment provided,” added Graf.