Michelle Donelan Is Appointed the New Leader for Gambling Reform

By John Isaac,
Editor at online-gambling.com

John Isaac Editor at online-gambling.com

John Isaac is an editor with many years of experience in the gambling industry. He writes expert articles on card games like blackjack and poker. In addition, he is also well aware of the US gambling laws and the Indian and Dutch gambling markets. You can rely on verified information and insightful details.

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Last updated: September 7, 2022

Michelle Donelan is the new Secretary of State for DCMS (Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport), the body responsible for reviewing the UK’s gambling reform. Liz Truss, who is officially the prime minister of the UK, appointed her. There is no timeline on when the new DCMS Secretary of State will present the new rules.

Michelle Donelan takes on the role after positions in government overseeing education. She was the Minister of State for Higher and Further Education from September 2021 till July 2022. Then, she was appointed the Secretary of State for Education. Her term in this position may hold the record for the shortest term.

Michelle Donelan, who succeeded Nadhim Zahawi as the Secretary of State for Education, served for just two days. She left the position on July 7 following the scandal created by the former prime-minister Boris Johnson. Fifty other ministers also resigned.

Michelle Donelan is an ardent advocate of gambling reform. She once worked in the World Wrestling Entertainment marketing department. In a previous statement, she mentioned that gambling preys on the weak and has destroyed many lives. The UK has already banned the use of gambling ads that feature athletes or reality stars, as these ads negatively impact those below the age of 18.

The previous secretary of the DCMS, Nadine Dorries, left shortly before Liz Truss took over. From September 2021 to July 5, 2022, the latter position was held by YouGov cofounder Nadhim Zahawi. He resigned after he was appointed as the Chancellor of the Exchequer. A former front-runner for the position of UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, was his predecessor.

Work on Gambling Reform Has Been on for Years

Michelle Donelan will work with a nearly entirely new ministerial cabinet. No white male currently holds one of the top four government positions for the first time in the UK’s history. This is significant in a country where above 78% of the population identifies as white.

The UK’s Gambling reform has been in the works for a while. A final white paper on the subject was scheduled to be released earlier, but the government started to fall apart. Gambling reform continues to be a top priority as Liz Truss works to put the house in order. The paper might once more be prioritized, given Michelle Donelan’s gambling interests.

Michael Dugher Hopes to Maintain a Good Working Relation with Michelle Donelan

Without delay, the BGC (Betting and Gaming Council) welcomed Michelle Donelan back into the political family. Michael Dugher, CEO of the BGC, congratulated her on the appointment and said it was well-deserved.

Michael Dugher reminded Michelle Donelan that the BGC had played a vital role in gambling reform. He emphasized how the BGC and DCMS have worked together to shape policy. Michael Dugher also hopes to maintain the same working relationship with the new DCMS boss.

The Gambling Related Harm All Party Parliamentary Group also sent its regards. On Twitter, it said that there had been enough inaction regarding gambling reform and that it was now time to take action. Over the coming days, the gaming industry will closely watch Michell Donelan. They will find out what she has planned as she gets used to her new role.