Allwyn UK Appoints Phil Walker as Interim Lottery CEO

Allwyn UK appointed Phil Walker, the former head of William Hill for the UK and Ireland, as the interim chief executive of the national lottery. The company defended the move, stating that Walker brings valuable operational, digital, and marketing experience to the lottery, which represents the largest public sector contract in the United Kingdom.

The appointment drew immediate criticism from Members of Parliament Dawn Butler and Iain Duncan Smith. In a letter to the Gambling Commission, the MPs questioned Walker's suitability for the role, citing a 2024 personal sanction imposed by the regulator for failures to enforce money laundering and terrorist financing controls during his tenure at William Hill. They also raised concerns regarding his boardroom position at Game Nation, a chain of 24-hour adult gaming centres.

In response to the scrutiny, Game Nation announced that Walker will step back from his role with the company effective September 1 for the duration of his interim contract. The Gambling Commission declined to comment publicly on the personnel decisions of the operator.