National Lottery operator’s upcoming interim chief faces scrutiny

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

Walker is set to take up the interim role on Sept 7, replacing Andria Vidler, who leaves after almost three years and will remain in an advisory capacity to the end of October. A search for a permanent chief executive is underway.

Walker’s appointment has attracted attention of Labour’s Dawn Butler and Conservative MP Iain Duncan Smith due to Walker’s background in a sector facing growing scrutiny. As reported by The Guardian, the two MPs have written to the UK Gambling Commission over Allwyn UK’s decision to appoint Walker as interim chief executive.

They told the Commission they were “deeply concerned” by the appointment, citing the lottery’s standing in public life.

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.

Of particular concern is Walker’s non-executive directorship at City Gaming, which owns Game Nation, the third-largest adult gaming centre (AGC) chain in the UK. Allwyn UK confirmed to Asian Trader that Walker will be stepping down from his role at City Gaming before he starts with his new role from Sept 7.

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

While still Mayor of Greater Manchester, prime minister 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.

An Allwyn UK spokesperson said:”As we navigate an increasingly competitive environment, Phil Walker brings valuable operational, digital and marketing experience alongside a significant understanding of our operating landscape.

“His appointment will help deliver the next stage of growth and innovation of The National Lottery, and we look forward to welcoming Phil to the role of interim CEO on 7th September.”