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Gambling Commission appoints Betsmart Consulting founder as interim leader of industry body representing Britain's gambling sector operators.
Mar 15, 2026 · 3 min read
The Gambling Commission announced on 22 January 2026 the appointment of Kirsty Caldwell as Interim Chair of the Industry Forum, filling the leadership void left by Nick Rust's departure in November 2025.
Caldwell, who joined the Forum as a member in March 2024, will serve in the interim role while the Commission conducts recruitment for a permanent successor. Her appointment draws on extensive compliance expertise developed through Betsmart Consulting, the advisory firm she founded in 2019.
The appointment leverages Caldwell's established relationships within the Forum structure and her deep understanding of regulatory compliance challenges facing operators. Her transition from member to interim leader provides continuity during the leadership transition period.
"I am delighted to be taking on this role. I remain fully committed to building a healthy, respected gambling sector, and cooperation and communication between regulator and industry is key to achieving this. We may not get it right every time, but the important thing is we learn from our mistakes, we keep talking and we keep moving forwards."
— Kirsty Caldwell, Interim Chair
The Industry Forum comprises members from Britain's gambling sector, providing the Commission with industry perspectives on regulatory plans, service delivery, and operational environment insights.
About the Industry Forum
The Industry Forum comprises members from Britain's gambling sector, providing the Gambling Commission with industry perspectives on regulatory plans, service delivery, and operational environment insights. Members help bridge the gap between regulatory expectations and industry realities.
Caldwell's appointment signals continuity in Commission-industry dialogue during a critical period of regulatory evolution. Her compliance background positions her to navigate the balance between regulatory expectations and operational realities that operators face daily.
The announcement comes as the Gambling Commission extends GSGB survey contract for four years, demonstrating continued focus on data-driven policy development. Meanwhile, enforcement activity remains robust with recent actions including the UKGC suspension of Deadheat Racing licence over AML concerns.
Caldwell's appointment signals continuity in Commission-industry dialogue during a critical period of regulatory evolution, leveraging her compliance expertise to navigate the balance between regulatory expectations and operational realities.
Caldwell was selected due to her established relationships within the Forum structure and deep understanding of regulatory compliance challenges. Her transition from member to interim leader provides continuity during the leadership transition period.
Caldwell will serve in the interim role while the Gambling Commission conducts recruitment for a permanent successor to replace Nick Rust. No specific timeline has been announced for the permanent appointment process.
Caldwell has extensive compliance expertise developed through Betsmart Consulting, the advisory firm she founded in 2019. She has been a member of the Industry Forum since March 2024, giving her insider knowledge of the organization's operations.
According to UK Gambling Commission.
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