UK Gambling Commission has announced the appointment of James Mackay as the new Executive Director. This position will see Mackay lead the next competition process for the licence of the UK National Lottery.

Mackay has a great deal of experience in regulation, having previously worked on the UK rail networks’ supervisory body, the Rail Delivery Group, where he most recently served as Head of Regulatory Policy.

Gambling Commission, Chief Executive, Sarah Harrison commented: “I’m delighted to appoint James Mackay as Executive Director to lead the competition for the next National Lottery licence.

“The Gambling Commission’s strategy makes clear our commitment to regulating the National Lottery in a way that grows its value as a public asset, ensuring it makes the maximum contribution to society, culture and the economy. The competition for the next licence, from 2023, will be a key project for the Commission over the next five years."

Mackay added: “This is an exciting and important piece of work to lead and I’m delighted to be joining the Gambling Commission at a time where the future of the National Lottery and its contribution to society will be debated and reviewed.

“There is a fantastic opportunity to transform the way the lottery works and ensure it is fit for purpose over the coming decades, whilst at the same time ensuring that players are protected.”

Joining UKGC with immediate effect, Mackay will begin the competition process for the tender to exclusively operate the National Lottery, which is currently held by Camelot UK and which expires in 2023.