Andrew Rhodes to leave Gambling Commission after five years

The UK Gambling Commission announced on 09 February 2026 that Chief Executive Andrew Rhodes will step down on 30 April 2026 to pursue a new role that remains undisclosed.

Rhodes has led the regulator for almost five years through what the Commission describes as a transformational period for UK gambling oversight. His tenure coincided with implementing sweeping changes following the Gambling Act Review, fundamentally reshaping how operators must protect consumers.

Major regulatory overhaul delivered

Under Rhodes' leadership, the Commission introduced financial vulnerability checks requiring operators to assess customer affordability. The regulator also mandated reductions in the intensity of online games and banned potentially harmful marketing offers – measures that significantly tightened operator compliance requirements.

Rhodes also oversaw the launch of the Gambling Survey for Great Britain, now positioned as one of the world's largest surveys tracking gambling behaviour. This data collection initiative provides the evidential foundation for ongoing policy development.

His operational achievements include successfully implementing the Fourth National Lottery licence and transforming the Commission's regulatory approach toward more robust, outcome-focused strategies that prioritise measurable consumer protection outcomes over process compliance.

"It has been a privilege to lead the Gambling Commission through such an important period of change. 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."

— Andrew Rhodes, Gambling Commission Chief Executive

Charles Counsell, Interim Chair of the Gambling Commission, acknowledged Rhodes' substantial impact on the organisation's direction and effectiveness.

"Andrew has provided outstanding leadership for nearly five years and leaves a strong legacy. 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."

— Charles Counsell, Interim Chair

Succession planning underway

The Commission will begin recruiting an interim Chief Executive while Sarah Gardner, currently Deputy Chief Executive, assumes Acting Chief Executive responsibilities during the transition period. Gardner will oversee areas Rhodes steps back from before his formal departure.

Leadership transition implications

Rhodes' departure removes a key architect of post-Gambling Act Review implementation from the Commission at a critical juncture. His successor will inherit an organisation fundamentally transformed in its regulatory approach, with enhanced enforcement powers and elevated industry expectations around consumer protection delivery.

The timing suggests continuity planning around major reform completion, though operators should expect maintained regulatory intensity regardless of leadership changes. The Commission's strategic direction appears firmly established, with incoming leadership likely focused on refining rather than overhauling current approaches. The industry will watch closely as the Commission navigates this leadership transition while maintaining its commitment to enhanced consumer protection standards. Rhodes leaves behind a regulatory framework significantly more robust than the one he inherited, setting the foundation for continued evolution in UK gambling oversight.

According to UK Gambling Commission.