The UK gambling industry’s newest trade association has appointed a former music industry exec as its chief executive officer.

On Friday, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) announced the appointment of Michael Dugher as its new CEO. Dugher, a former Labour MP for Barnsley East and Shadow Secretary of State for the UK government department that oversees gambling issues, will officially join the BGC next spring,

Dugher said he looked forward to working with BGC chair Brigid Simmonds and the body’s other members as they “tackle the critical issues facing the sector.” Dugher copped to having placed the odd wager in his life, adding that “creating a safe gambling environment will be my top priority.”

The appointment garnered praise from Tom Watson, who until recently was deputy leader of the Labour party and a noted gambling industry antagonist. Watson tweeted that that Dugher’s appointment was “an important and smart hire.”