TLDR Phil Walker is set to become interim CEO of Allwyn UK, which runs the National Lottery He is stepping back from his board role at Game Nation, a chain of adult gaming centres Two MPs have asked the Gambling Commission about his gambling industry history Walker was sanctioned in 2024 over anti-money-laundering failures at William Hill The UK government is pushing new rules to limit the growth of gaming centres
Phil Walker is preparing to take over as interim chief executive of Allwyn UK. The company runs Britain’s National Lottery under a licence that lasts until 2034.
His appointment comes after the departure of Andria Vidler from the role. Around 20 million people play the National Lottery regularly, and the operator sends billions of pounds to good causes each year.
Before this role, Walker worked as the UK and Ireland boss of William Hill. He also sat on the board of City Gaming Ltd, the parent company of Game Nation.
MPs Raise Concerns Over Background
Game Nation is the third-largest chain of adult gaming centres in the country. These venues are often called slot farms because of the number of machines inside them.
Labour MP Dawn Butler and former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith have written to the Gambling Commission. They want to know more about Walker’s time at William Hill and his role at Game Nation.
Company filings suggest his board position at City Gaming likely paid him more than £50,000 a year. This was despite the role involving a limited number of meetings.
Game Nation has confirmed that Walker will step back from the board starting September 1. He will stay away for as long as he holds the interim lottery job.
A Shift in Government Policy
The political mood toward gaming centres has
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