Former BHA chief Nick Rust to stand down as chair of the Gambling Commission's industry forum in November

Nick Rust is to step down as chair of the Gambling Commission's industry forum in November after two years in the position.

The former BHA chief executive said commitments over the winter meant he would not be able to devote enough time to the role, although he did admit to frustrations over the public discourse surrounding gambling.

The industry forum was set up by the Gambling Commission in 2023. Made up of members from Britain’s gambling sector, its role is to provide the regulator with insight into the views of industry about the commission's plans, its service to the industry and consumers, and to provide insight into the wider environment.

Rust said he believed the commission and the forum had worked well together.

He added: "I've got some other commitments which mean I am going to be pretty busy over this winter, which meant I felt I couldn't give it enough time, that was the main reason [for stepping down].

"I think the commission has got a very tough job on, I think they are under-resourced and they are doing lots of good work but the public policy discourse with regard to gambling does frustrate me at times. I have found myself feeling that I should be lobbying on behalf of the industry when actually my role is to provide advice and guidance to the commission.

"The commission has not frustrated me but the public discourse about gambling, and the pressure on the commission around the policy that emerges from that, it can be frustrating."

Nick Rust believes the Gambling Commission is doing good work on areas like the black market

Rust said he felt the commission was doing good work, especially on the important subject of the black market.

He added: "It's important not only for operators but obviously for consumers. If they go to the black market they are not going to have protection if they are vulnerable consumers. So I am really, really pleased to see them upping their game on that and focusing on it in what is a complex space.

"They are working hard on 'fair and open', which is one of their main objectives, to help ensure that consumers can get a fair deal. I think they are also, in a difficult area, getting to grips with the challenges that exist in understanding consumers through the GSGB [Gambling Survey for Great Britain], and I suspect they will be undertaking some modifications for that as the months go on.

"I've enjoyed it and I will be cracking on until November. We have got plenty to do." 

The commission said that Rust had helped establish the forum as a "vital part" of its wider engagement and governance structure.

Gambling Commission chief executive Andrew Rhodes

Chief executive Andrew Rhodes 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."

The commission said a new chair for the industry forum would be appointed in due course.

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