The scheme is the operator of Gamstop, which was announced as a pilot national online self-exclusion scheme by trade association the Remote Gambling Association in 2017.

Watson has previously worked as the Chair of the Electoral Commission and is leaving her role as Chair of The House of St. Barnabas.

The appointment comes at a pinnacle moment for Gamstop, as the scheme is set to go live in spring 2018, and signals “the start of a raft of changes to board positions” ahead of the launch.

Fiona Palmer, CEO of Gamstop, said: “We are thrilled that Jenny has agreed to Chair this important self-exclusion scheme as we approach our launch.

“Our priority is to provide a trusted environment for gamblers wishing to self-exclude and a fully independent chair with Jenny’s extensive experience will help us to achieve this” 

Watson added: “My immediate priorities will be to recruit additional independent board members and to put in place an initial evaluation of the scheme following the first six months of operation, which will help Gamstop’s future development.”