Cian Nugent to lead RAiG as new Chair

Responsible Affiliates in Gambling (RAiG) has confirmed the appointment of Cian Nugent, managing director of Racing Post, as the new chair of its trade body. 

Nugent will take over from Clive Hawkswood, who had previously expressed his intentions to resign in 2021.  

Considered to be an expert in digital operations and igaming marketing, Nugent will lead the trade body into a ‘critical’ 2021 as the industry faces the fall-out from the UK Government-led review of the 2005 Gambling Act.

Updating members, RAIG confirmed that Nugent would be supported by the appointment of a new ‘advisory team’ which will support the organisation’s representation and engagements with the government. 

“I’m pleased to be able to represent our industry during the crucial next phase in the development of policy and regulation of the gambling sector,” Nugent commented. 

“Our focus will be on education and lobbying and engaging constructively with the Government and interested politicians. Affiliates play a key role in providing enjoyable and safe environments for consumers – facts which we want to see recognised in any new laws governing our industry.”

Issuing his outgoing statement, Hawkswood communicated his support for Nugent’s appointment and urged affiliates to engage with DCMS in its consultation phase of the Gambling Act review. 

“I urge everyone in the affiliate sector to get behind RAiG and get involved with the gambling review. Through the review, established industry practices, some of which did not exist in their present form back in 2005, will be put under scrutiny,” Hawkswood commented.

“To sit on the side lines and hope for the best would be a terrible gamble for affiliates. This is only right and proper as such commercial practices did not exist in their present form back in 2005.

“RAiG is leading the way in ensuring the sector raises standards and demonstrates that it can be relied upon to act responsibly.”