Gambling Commission CEO Andrew Rhodes to Step Down
The UK Gambling Commission has announced that Chief Executive Andrew Rhodes will leave the regulator on 30 April 2026 after nearly five years in the role. The departure comes during an ongoing period of regulatory reform across the British gambling sector.
Rhodes has led the Commission through a significant phase of modernisation tied to the government’s Gambling Act Review. His tenure focused on strengthening consumer protections, modernising regulatory oversight and expanding the Commission’s enforcement capabilities.
According to the regulator, key initiatives introduced during his leadership included financial vulnerability checks, measures to reduce the intensity of online gambling products and restrictions on marketing practices considered potentially harmful. Rhodes also oversaw the introduction of the Gambling Survey for Great Britain, which is now one of the largest national studies of gambling behaviour.
Consumer Protection Reforms
Consumer safety became a central theme of the Commission’s strategy under Rhodes. The regulator increased its emphasis on preventative safeguards rather than reactive enforcement. Financial vulnerability checks were designed to identify customers at risk, while game design reforms aimed to reduce high-intensity play patterns.
The Commission described these changes as part of a broader effort to ensure gambling remains safer and fairer. Industry operators have been adjusting compliance frameworks to align with the updated standards.
Regulatory Modernisation
Beyond consumer safeguards, Rhodes supervised structural regulatory changes, including implementation of the Fourth National Lottery licence. The Commission expanded its use of outcome-focused strategies, shifting toward long-term monitoring and accountability measures.
In a statement announcing his departure, Rhodes said it had been a privilege to lead the organisation through a period of transformation. He added that he leaves with confidence in the Commission’s people and its future direction.
Interim Chair Charles Counsell credited Rhodes with strengthening the regulator’s foundation and keeping consumer protection at the centre of its work. Counsell said Rhodes leaves behind a strong legacy following nearly five years of leadership.
Leadership Transition
The Commission confirmed that Deputy Chief Executive Sarah Gardner will step in as Acting Chief Executive during the transition period. Recruitment will begin shortly for an interim appointment while the Board considers longer-term leadership arrangements.
The regulator said it has full confidence in the executive team’s ability to maintain operational stability and continue delivering strategic priorities.
Industry Context
The leadership change occurs as the UK gambling industry continues adjusting to reforms stemming from the Gambling Act Review. Operators remain in the process of implementing updated safeguards around affordability, advertising and product design.
Observers note that continuity within the regulator will be important as reforms shift from policy introduction into sustained enforcement. The next phase for the Commission is expected to focus on embedding recent changes while responding to evolving digital gambling trends.
Rhodes’ departure marks the end of a period characterised by rapid regulatory evolution. The incoming leadership will inherit a framework built around consumer protection, market integrity and data-driven oversight.
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