Controversy at Allwyn UK: Incoming National Lottery Boss Phil Walker Faces Backlash Over Gambling Record

The appointment of Phil Walker as interim chief executive of Allwyn UK, operator of the National Lottery, is facing scrutiny over his previous senior roles in the gambling industry.

Walker, the former UK and Ireland boss of William Hill, was appointed last week to replace Andria Vidler. Allwyn holds the licence to operate the National Lottery until 2034.

The appointment has attracted attention among MPs and regulators because of Walker’s background in a sector facing growing scrutiny over the impact of gambling businesses on UK high streets.

Walker’s previous experience includes a senior role in the 24-hour gaming machine sector, which has itself been criticised as contributing to the proliferation of gambling outlets on high streets.

The concerns come as politicians increasingly examine the impact of gambling and other high-street businesses on local communities. The Prime Minister has previously highlighted 24-hour slot machine venues as a concern, while proposals have been put forward to give councils greater powers over betting and other high-street businesses.

MPs have now written to the Gambling Commission questioning Walker’s appointment, citing the National Lottery’s “unique position” in British public life.

The scrutiny comes as Walker prepares to lead the National Lottery which is a major retail product for convenience stores across the country.

Of particular concern is Walker’s role with Game Nation, the UK’s third-largest chain of adult gaming centres (AGCs), owned by City Gaming Ltd.

AGCs are high-street gambling venues with large numbers of gaming machines and are commonly described as “slot farms”. Most operate around the clock.

Walker joined City Gaming last year and said at the time that he was looking forward to helping “develop and grow” the business over the coming years.

His previous comments have attracted attention as political pressure mounts over the presence of gambling venues on high streets.

While still Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham criticised AGCs, accusing the sector of “targeting some of the most vulnerable in our communities”. This month, he announced plans to give councils greater powers to restrict betting shops, vape shops and other businesses on high streets.

Butler, who was instrumental in Burnham’s decision to target AGCs, has also written to the Gambling Commission expressing concerns about Walker’s appointment.