Andrew Rhodes quits top post at UK Gambling Commission
Gambling Commission chief executive Andrew Rhodes will step down from his role on 30 April 2026, ending a tenure of almost five years that coincided with a period of significant regulatory reform in the UK gambling sector.
Rhodes’ departure comes after overseeing a wide-ranging transformation of the Commission’s regulatory approach, including the implementation of measures flowing from the Gambling Act Review.
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During his leadership, the UKGC introduced financial vulnerability checks, reduced the intensity of certain online gambling products, and moved to prohibit marketing practices deemed potentially harmful.
He also oversaw the launch of the Gambling Survey for Great Britain, now one of the largest datasets on gambling behaviour globally.
“It has been a privilege to lead the Gambling Commission through such an important period of change,” Rhodes said.
“I am proud of the progress we have made to strengthen regulation, improve consumer protections, and ensure gambling is safer and fairer. I leave with confidence in the organisation, its people, and the work still to come.”
Beyond consumer protection reforms, Rhodes led the successful implementation of the Fourth National Lottery licence and shifted the Commission toward a more robust, outcomes-focused regulatory model.
“Andrew has provided outstanding leadership for nearly five years and leaves a strong legacy,” nterim Chair of the Gambling Commission Charles Counsell said.
“He has led the Commission through major reform, strengthened our regulatory approach, and ensured consumer protection has remained at the heart of our work. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Andrew for his dedication and wish him every success in the future.”
The UK Gambling Commission will begin the hunt to find an interim chief executive, with deputy chief executive Sarah Gardner appointed as acting chief executive during the transition.
Rhodes himself was appointed interim chief executive in 2021, before winning the role permanently, with Gardner yet to say whether she will pursue it full time. The board has indicated confidence in the executive team’s ability to maintain strategic continuity.
The UK has one of the most developed online gambling industries in the world, with legal sports betting sites, online casinos and various other forms of real money wagering.
