n Bradley MP, UK Secretary of State, has extended Walter Merricks’ term as Commissioner of the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) until the end of 2017. The extension for the qualified solicitor was made in accordance with the OCPA Code of Practice.

Merricks was awarded a CBE in 2007 for his contribution to financial services and also chairs the boards of IMPRESS, the independent monitor for the press, as well as law reform charity JUSTICE.

Marricks was also the inaugural chief ombudsman for the Financial Ombudsman Service, the dispute resolver for the telecoms, energy and property sectors, prior to his time with the UKGC.

The UKGC has revealed that it recently joined forces with Police Scotland to carry out a compliance exercise at betting shops in Falkirk. This was designed to raise awareness amongst betting shop staff of the risks of crime, and help train police on how to conduct thorough inspections of gambling licensed premises.