Dan Whitlam Joins MERKUR Casino UK Compliance Team

Dan Whitlam, who has built extensive industry experience through roles with organisations including the Gambling Commission and GamCare, is set to join MERKUR Casino UK as Head of Compliance on 28 September 2026.

Whitlam will report to Chief Financial Officer Egemen Coskun and will take responsibility for providing strategic direction and independent oversight across regulatory compliance, safer gambling, player protection, anti-money laundering, financial crime prevention, data protection and governance.

His responsibilities will also include leading MERKUR Casino UK’s engagement with the Gambling Commission, local authorities and relevant industry bodies. His remit will cover the company’s High Street Gaming Centre, bingo and casino operations.

Chief Operating Officer Mark Schertle said the appointment forms part of the company’s succession planning ahead of Amanda Kiernan’s retirement in April 2027.

“This is part of the company’s succession planning ahead of Amanda Kiernan’s retirement in April 2027. The timing provides for a structured handover and continuity within this important function,” Schertle said.

He added: “Dan brings extensive compliance experience gained from working with several major organisations within the gaming industry, as well as the Gambling Commission.”

Chief Financial Officer Egemen Coskun said Whitlam brings knowledge spanning gaming regulation, regulatory risk, safer gambling and player protection, alongside experience working with regulators and other key stakeholders.

“Dan brings strong knowledge of gaming regulation, regulatory risk, safer gambling and player protection, together with experience of working with regulators and other key stakeholders. His background will help MERKUR Casino UK continue to develop its compliance strategy and respond effectively to the changing regulatory environment,” Coskun said.

He added: “This appointment demonstrates our continued commitment to strong compliance leadership and independent oversight and also reflects the importance we place on maintaining high standards, protecting vulnerable customers and ensuring that regulatory requirements are embedded consistently across all areas of the business.”

Looking ahead to his new role, Whitlam said: “MERKUR is already a strong and ambitious business with an excellent compliance culture, so I’m really looking forward to working with colleagues across the organisation, building on what is already in place and helping to push standards even higher.

“I want to combine the insight I gained from my time at the Gambling Commission and GamCare, with my previous operational and player protection experience, to help MERKUR continue to develop a compliance framework that is robust, proportionate and practical.

“For me, the best compliance functions are not there simply to say no or to police the rest of the business. They should understand the operation, identify risk early, help the business find solutions and ultimately enable it to grow sustainably while maintaining high standards of player protection.”