Allwyn UK has responded after two vocal anti-gambling MPs expressed “deep concern” over the appointment of its Interim Chief Executive Officer.
Labour MP Dawn Butler and Conservative MP Iain Duncan Smith reportedly penned a letter to the UK’s Gambling Commission, as seen by The Guardian.
The duo made their views clear on the National Lottery operator’s onboarding of former 888Holdings (now evoke) and William Hill executive Phil Walker, replacing outgoing CEO Andria Vidler.
It becomes the latest gripe that the two MPs have with the gambling industry. The letter also comes despite the Commission and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) being well aware of the appointment before it was announced publicly.
For Butler and Duncan Smith, the issues stem from Smith’s time at William Hill, which paid a £19.2m settlement to the Commission in 2023 following anti-money laundering and social responsibility failures between 2020-2021. This is the biggest UK settlement on record.
During 2020-2021, new Allwyn UK Interim CEO Walker held roles as William Hill’s Online Managing Director and UK Managing Director. By the time the announcement of the payment came, in March 2023, he was UK and Ireland Managing Director of 888Holdings.
Being in these positions meant that Walker had to hold a Personal Management Licence (PML).
Given the severity of the situation – the Commission’s then-CEO said it came close to suspending the group’s gambling licence – Walker’s PML was reviewed.
In May 2024, over a year after the £19.2m settlement, Walker was given a sanction but kept his PML.
Butler and Duncan Smith are also concerned about Walker’s position as a Non-Executive Director at City Gaming, which owns adult gaming centre (AGC) operator Game Nation. Walker had already confirmed that he would be leaving this role before starting at Allwyn UK.
However, given the MPs’, Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s, and a wide range of the general UK public’s dislike of AGCs, it is clear to see why the two politicians raised concerns on this point.
Allwyn UK saga paints grim picture for UK gambling
It also comes with the backdrop of Burnham looking to scrap the Aim to Permit rule as he branded betting shops in the same bracket as vape shops and “dodgy businesses” hindering the revitalisation of the UK high street.
Despite the gripes of the MPs, as mentioned, Allwyn UK had already informed the relevant authorities of Walker’s appointment before the public announcement. The National Lottery operator remains on the hunt for a Permanent CEO, with the process having now started.
While this remains important, and means that retribution for any perceived wrongdoing around the hiring is unlikely, it once again highlights the public and governmental pressure that the gambling sector in the UK remains under.
An Allwyn UK spokesperson told Lottery Daily: “As we navigate an increasingly competitive environment, Phil Walker brings valuable operational, digital and marketing experience alongside a significant understanding of our operating landscape.
“His appointment will help deliver the next stage of growth and innovation of The National Lottery, and we look forward to welcoming Phil to the role of interim CEO on 7th September.”