MPs have asked the Gambling Commission to examine Phil Walker’s appointment as interim chief executive of Allwyn UK. Their concerns focus on his previous senior roles at William Hill and Game Nation.

Allwyn announced the appointment on 19 August 2026. Walker is due to start on 7 September 2026, replacing Andria Vidler, according to the company.

What MPs want the regulator to examine

Dawn Butler and Iain Duncan Smith wrote to the Gambling Commission. They described themselves as “deeply concerned” about the appointment.

The MPs asked what consideration was given to Walker’s regulatory history. They also questioned whether his work with City Gaming, the owner of Game Nation, was compatible with his new role.

Walker previously held senior positions at William Hill. In a decision dated 24 May 2024, the Gambling Commission issued him with a warning.

The regulator found that Walker had failed to take reasonable steps to prevent licensed businesses under his management from breaching licence conditions. The conditions concerned anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing controls.

The decision covered conduct between May 2020 and October 2021. The warning did not remove Walker’s Personal Management Licence.

Allwyn has cited the continued validity of that licence when defending his suitability, according to The Guardian.

A separate framework governs the National Lottery

Walker’s appointment is a corporate decision. It is not a new operating licence decision for a bookmaker, casino or other commercial gambling business.

The National Lottery operates under the National Lottery etc. Act 1993 and a separate statutory licensing framework. The Gambling Commission awards and regulates the licence.

The regulator’s duties include ensuring that the National Lottery is run with due propriety, protecting participants and maximising returns to good causes.

Allwyn Entertainment Limited holds the current 10-year licence. It began on 1 February 2024 and runs until 31 January 2034.

The licence requires Allwyn to ensure that people involved in managing or operating the National Lottery meet fit-and-proper requirements. This means the operator has continuing responsibility for the suitability of relevant personnel.

What the Gambling Commission has said

A Gambling Commission spokesperson told The Guardian that the regulator would not publicly comment on an operator’s personnel decisions.

The statement does not confirm a new public investigation into Walker’s appointment. The Commission’s published framework allows it to assess the suitability of relevant National Lottery personnel. It also places responsibility on the licence holder to provide information and maintain compliance.

No public decision has stated that Walker is unfit to manage part of the National Lottery. There has been no announced licence suspension or formal enforcement decision linked to his appointment.

Game Nation role put on hold

Walker has also held a non-executive position with Game Nation. The company said on 25 August 2026 that he would step back from the role on 1 September for the duration of his interim contract with Allwyn, according to The Guardian.

That move separates his National Lottery responsibilities from his connection with the adult gaming-centre business. It does not settle the questions raised by MPs about his previous management record or the standards expected of the National Lottery operator.

Why the appointment matters

The National Lottery is a major national gambling operation with a direct link to funding for good causes. The Gambling Commission says players have raised more than £52 billion for more than 670,000 good-cause projects since the Lottery launched in 1994.

  • Current licence holder: Allwyn Entertainment Limited
  • Licence period: 1 February 2024 to 31 January 2034
  • Money raised for good causes: more than £52 billion
  • Good-cause projects supported: more than 670,000

Walker’s immediate task will be to lead Allwyn UK during the current licence period. His appointment will be assessed against the company’s need for gambling and digital operations experience, as well as the National Lottery’s requirements for propriety and player protection.