New gambling minister appointed with track record on reform
Vicky Foxcroft MP takes over gambling brief from Baroness Twycross, bringing history of supporting tougher measures on high-street betting venues.
Vicky Foxcroft MP has been appointed as the UK’s new gambling minister, taking responsibility for gambling policy oversight at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
The Lewisham North MP replaces Baroness Fiona Twycross, who held the role since 2024. The appointment was confirmed by the Betting and Gaming Council on 12 August 2026, though the government has not yet issued an official announcement.
Foxcroft, who has served as an MP since 2015 and previously worked as a trade union official, has supported several gambling reform measures during her time in Parliament. She backed an early day motion in June 2025 calling for “high street gambling reform” and questioning restrictions that prevented councils from rejecting applications for new gambling venues in areas already saturated with betting shops and adult gaming centres.
The incoming minister has also expressed support for banning gambling advertisements during live sports events and backed the introduction of the 1% statutory levy, which was implemented in November 2024. In 2018, she called for a ban on betting using credit cards and proposed allowing banks to block online gambling transactions for problem gamblers—measures that have since been introduced.
Her appointment comes just days after Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced the reversal of the “aim to permit” planning rule, which previously limited councils’ ability to reject gambling venue applications based on opposition to gambling itself. The new measures announced on 10 August 2026 will give local authorities greater powers to block betting shops and adult gaming centres considered undesirable for their communities.
Foxcroft has described problem gambling as an “epidemic” and called for it to be treated as a public health issue. Industry insiders report that the Betting and Gaming Council had been briefed about her likely appointment in advance.
What it means for players
The appointment signals continuity in the government’s tougher approach to gambling regulation. Foxcroft’s track record suggests she will maintain pressure on operators to implement stronger player protections and may support further restrictions on gambling advertising and venue licensing.
For UKGC-licensed casino players, this means the regulatory environment is unlikely to ease. Financial risk assessments, which are currently being piloted for higher spenders, are expected to continue rolling out. The minister’s public health approach could also influence future policy on deposit limits, session reminders and affordability checks.
However, her support for evidence-based regulation suggests any new measures will be developed through consultation rather than rushed implementation. Players using licensed sites will continue to benefit from the full range of consumer protections, including access to independent dispute resolution and the protections of the statutory levy funding treatment services.
Primary source: https://igamingbusiness.com/people/vicky-foxcroft-appointed-new-gambling-minister-aim-permit-support/
