Great Britain’s Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) Appoint Former William Hill Chief Roger Devlin As New Chairman

The HBLB (Great Britain’s Horserace Betting Levy Board) have announced former William Hill chief Roger Devlin as their new chairman – having been appointed by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport – Lisa Nandy.

Roger Devlin Appointed New HBLB Chairman

Anne Lambert has served as the HBLB chairman since Paul Darling passed away in August 2024 but will now hand over the reins to Roger Devlin.

Devlin was formerly with William Hill and Gamesys and is regarded in the industry as an very experienced executive, making the appointment an exciting one for UK horse racing that has been coming under pressure in recent years.

With that role running alongside his William Hill job that saw him with one of the best betting sites in the UK between February 2018 and April 2021.

Roger Devlin Appointed New HBLB Chairman

Before Devlin’s William Hill role he’d been chairman of hotel and pub company Marston’s for just under five years.

Gamesy, who are a leading online gaming provider and now part of Bally’s, also had Roger Devlin as their chairman over a 10-year period.

While Devlin’s new role as the Great Britain’s Horserace Betting Levy Board chairman will link his connections to the sport – being a horse racing owner.

Devlin has horses with trainers Anthony Honeyball and William Muir, plus was involved in Muir’s classy Group One winner Pyledriver who landed the 2022 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes and won just over £2m in total prize money during his 20-race career.

Roger Devlin Appointed New HBLB Chairman

After Roger Devlin was announced as the new HBLB chairman he commented on his own appointment.

“My focus will be consistent with the Levy’s key objectives – to promote investment and employment in racing; to enhance racehorse welfare wherever possible; to improve the reputation of the sport and thereby generate increased interest,” Devlin said.

While it’s also been no secret that the HBLB have been clear in their opposition over any proposed changes in tax rates in Britain to betting providers.

With a recent survey by the BGC also suggesting increasing UK gambling tax would turn bettors to the black market sites.

As back in April the UK treasury announced a proposal for changing three online betting tax rates with a new single rate. With this launching on May 6th and closing on July 21st.

But the HBLB has said that his tax move would place a concern on online casinos in the UK and gaming sites, plus also the horse racing sector which relies heavily on betting and tax to operate.

Andy Newton

Andy is an experienced betting and gambling journalist with over 20 years industry experience. He brings an excellent knowledge of the world of sports betting and industry gambling news.