Nick Rust has announced that he will be stepping down as Chair of the UK Gambling Commission’s (UKGC) Industry Forum when his agreed two-year term comes to an end in November.

Nick has been instrumental in the creation and development of the Forum, working closely with the Commission to ensure that the voices and expertise of industry stakeholders are heard and reflected in its work. His leadership has helped establish the Forum as a vital part of the Commission’s wider engagement and governance structure.

Nick said: “It’s been a privilege to Chair the Industry Forum and help the Commission’s Executives and Board to gain insights on policy and operational performance from an industry perspective. I’m pleased with the work the Forum has delivered and believe it has helped the Commission better understand the implications of its existing and planned policies for consumers and industry operators.

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“I’d like to thank my fellow Forum members for their work and also the Gambling Commission team who support the Forum. I look forward to seeing how the Industry Forum continues to support the Commission to achieve its regulatory aims.”

Helen Child, Head of Governance at UKGC, said: “Nick has been instrumental in the creation of the Forum, helping to develop and embed it into the Commission’s expert groups. I have very much enjoyed working with him as we established the Forum, and I would like to thank Nick for his hard work in getting the group to this point. We wish him well for the future.”

Andrew Rhodes, Chief Executive of UKGC, said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with both Nick and the Forum over the last two years. Nick has been such a valuable sounding board, a constant fount of knowledge and insight and a great support to me personally.”

“A new Chair will be appointed in due course, with further updates to follow. We are grateful to Nick for his significant contribution and continued support during the transition,” the Commission said.

As part of the process to put in place information sharing agreements with other regulatory bodies, CEO of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, Anne Marie Caulfield signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Commissioner Andrew Lynam representing the Gibraltarian Gambling Regulator.

This agreement establishes a framework for cooperation and sets out the broad principles of collaboration between the Gambling Regulator and the Gibraltarian authorities. The shared aims of both regulators are to enable closer working relationships which will enhance each organisation’s ability to discharge their respective duties and functions.

This is the third of a series of MoUs which the GRAI intends to put in place with other Gambling Regulators in other jurisdictions over the coming months as GRAI move towards opening for its first phase of licensing.

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Anne Marie Caulfield, CEO of GRAI, said: “This Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Gibraltarian Gambling Commissioner Andrew Lynam, representing the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority is a significant step in formalising the working relationship between regulators in Ireland and Gibraltar. Given how many Gambling Operators are active in both jurisdictions this Memorandum of Understanding will be the first step in cementing what will be a positive and mutually beneficial working relationship between both organisations. This is another important step in the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland series of MoUs with fellow regulators.

“We would also like to take the opportunity to welcome Andrew Lynam, CEO of the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority to Dublin and to thank him, and his team, for their ongoing support and assistance to GRAI.”

The Minister of the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mubarak Mohammed, has charged the newly inaugurated Governing Board of the Gaming Commission of Ghana to work diligently to promote responsible gaming, curb underage participation and address the growing menace of illegal gaming operators, particularly in mining communities.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of the 11-member Board at the Ministry’s Boardroom, the Hon. Muntaka reiterated the critical oversight role of the Board and urged its members to elevate the Commission’s performance to sub-regional excellence.

“Your appointment by His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama is a clear indication of the trust and confidence he has reposed in your ability to deliver on your mandate. You have a duty to help position the Gaming Commission of Ghana as the leading gaming regulator in sub-Saharan Africa,” the Minister stated.

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He commended the Commission’s current leadership for the strides made in strengthening corporate governance and initiating key regulatory reforms.

“Noteworthy among these efforts are plans to construct an ultra-modern Head Office in Accra. From just three offices in Kasoa, Kumasi, and Tamale in 2016, the Commission has now expanded to Swedru, Ho, Ashanti Bekwai, and Sefwi Wiawso, with further plans to open new offices in Tarkwa, Koforidua, and Bolgatanga.”

The Minister also lauded the Commission’s commitment to staff development and public education, citing the recently concluded Purple Month campaign in May 2025 as a significant achievement.

“I am particularly pleased with the success of the maiden ‘Purple Month’ initiative, which engaged over 1500 young people from the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) and Accra Technical University (ATU) on the risks of gaming addiction and its connection to mental health. This effort received strong support from Members of Parliament, Hon. Dr. Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings (Korle Klottey) and Hon. John Dumelo (Ayawaso West Wuogon), as well as active participation from gaming operators across media platforms and campus events,” he said.

Accepting the mandate on behalf of the Board, the newly appointed Chairman, Mr. James Enu, Esq., who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Tema West, expressed gratitude to the President and the Minister for the opportunity to serve.

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“We are grateful for the confidence reposed in us and assure you of our unwavering commitment to deliver on our responsibilities. We will work closely with the Games Commissioner and all key stakeholders to promote a vibrant and well-regulated gaming industry. It is encouraging that the Minister emphasized not just revenue generation, but also responsible gaming. As a Board, we intend to prioritize the development of policies that tackle irresponsible gaming practices,” Mr. Enu said.

He added that the 24-hour nature of gaming aligned perfectly with the President’s vision for a 24-hour economy.

“Gaming is a 24-hour activity, and that fits seamlessly into His Excellency’s 24-hour economy agenda. We are excited to play our part in supporting that vision,” he concluded.

Members of the new Governing Board include: Chairperson – Mr. James Enu, Esq. (MP, Tema West) and Members – Mr. Emmanuel Siisi Quainoo (Ag. Gaming Commissioner), Dr. Renee Aku Sitsofe Morhe (President’s Nominee), Dr. Bandim Lamangin Abed-Nego (MP, Bunkpurugu & President’s Nominee), Mr. Sedem Kweku Afenyo (MP, Amasaman & President’s Nominee), Prof. Kobby Mensah (Ministry of Tourism), Mr. Solomon Tetteh Mensah (Ministry of the Interior), ACP Dr. Dinam Kwasi Wisdom Zoiku (Ghana Police Service), Mr. Dela Kemevor (Ministry of Local Government & Rural Development), Mrs. Rosemary Nana Pokuaa Addo Parker (Ghana Revenue Authority).