Scully takes on the new role of Minister for Technology and the Digital Economy, succeeding Collins who stepped down. This makes Scully the fifth government official to oversee the Gambling Act review.

Scully assumes the position from Collins, who declared his departure from the front bench yesterday. He will be in charge of gambling, particularly the review of the Gambling Act.

Scully is the fifth minister to oversee the Gambling Act review.

The initial minister was Huddleston, who served from 2018 until March 2021, when he was replaced by Whittingdale. During this period, the government initiated the first phase of the review, which involved gathering feedback on potential adjustments.

In March 2021, just before the feedback period concluded, Huddleston was replaced by Whittingdale, who oversaw the majority of the draft Gambling Act white paper. He was then moved from the position in the 2021 cabinet reshuffle, with Philp becoming his successor.

Philp continued to be involved in the drafting of the white paper, which is anticipated to be released this summer, but he resigned in July as part of a wave of resignations from senior government officials.

At that point in time, he stated that the examination had been sent to the Prime Minister’s office.

Nevertheless, following the announcement of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s departure, Collins assumed responsibility for gambling matters, postponing the release of the white paper.

Last month, when Liz Truss became Prime Minister, Collins remained in the position, but he departed the government shortly after Rishi Sunak took over at Downing Street, and was replaced by Scully.

Scully, the representative for Sutton and Cheam in London, was initially elected in 2015. He has held the position of Minister for London since 2020 and will maintain this role while taking on the new DCMS position. He also served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Small Business from 2020 to July 2022.

“I am thrilled to be assuming the role of Minister for Technology at DCMS and am pleased to continue in my role as Minister for London alongside numerous friends,” Scully stated.

Industry Response
The UK industry association, the Betting and Gaming Council, expressed approval of Scully’s appointment.

“Congratulations to [Paul Scully] on his appointment as Minister for Technology at DCMS, with responsibility for betting and gaming,” the organization stated.

In the meantime, BGC Chief Executive Michael Dugher, while offering congratulations to Scully on his new position, also highlighted the economic impact of the gambling industry.

I extend my congratulations to Paul Scully MP on his new position and to Michelle Donelan MP on her continued service as Minister of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, stated [Name], representing a workforce of 119,000 individuals supported by our members. These roles encompass a wide range of sectors, from bustling high streets to the hospitality and tourism industries, and even the UK’s globally recognized technology sector. Our sector generates a substantial £4.5 billion in tax revenue for the government and adds a significant £7.7 billion in value to the national economy.

We are dedicated to collaborating with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to identify targeted and balanced solutions. Our aim is to continue driving meaningful change, enhancing standards for safer gambling practices, and providing better protection for vulnerable individuals, all while ensuring that the 22.5 million people who engage in betting each month can do so in a secure and responsible manner.

[Name] also expressed gratitude to Damian Collins for his contributions during his time in office.

“I would also like to express my appreciation to Damian Collins MP, a respected outgoing minister who spearheaded this review and was open to engaging with our industry to understand our economic contributions,” [Name] remarked.