Calling in Reinforcements: APCW Perspectives for 8 August 2026

Calling in Reinforcements

This week, the UK Gambling Commission got a boost
from the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport.
Sarah Fox, who serves at the DCMS with Gambling and Lotteries,
will assume the duties of the Commissions Executive Director, Tim Miller.
Additionally, the Dutch are pressing forward with
their complete ban on gambling advertising.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE



APCW Interviews C24 Partners
Conor McGregor and 1xBet
Betfred Closing 132 Shops
Sarah Fox Joins UKGC
Could Fox be Political Strategy?
Netherlands Gambling Ad Ban

In my view, about the news from the UK, this is starting to look less like “player protection” and more like a regulator losing the confidence of both the industry and politicians. When shops are closing, hundreds of jobs are going, and even Parliament and racing are questioning the evidence behind affordability checks, it’s fair to ask whether the UK has pushed regulation too far.

And the Netherlands... I completely agree, they just don’t seem to see the obvious problem: if licensed operators are pushed out of sight, illegal brands get more room to advertise, attract players, and operate without the same rules, protections, or safeguards.

Thanks for the great show as always JT :clap:

132 shops having to close is disheartening, especially in a country where poverty and unemployment continue to rise. I imagine it will only start to bother them when there’s no one left to tax.

Our already fragile industry is really falling apart and it's very sad to learn of such devastating news. Always appreciate your terrific videos, JT. Keep up your good work.

This year has been a very tough one for the UK with the taxation change.
The second half of the year needs a much needed boost and I hope that brands will do more to help keep the industry strong and fight these changes.