The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has announced that Chief Executive Andrew Rhodes will leave the regulator on 30 April 2026, concluding nearly five years at the helm of the industry watchdog.
In a statement published on 9 February, the Commission said Rhodes is departing to take up a new role, which will be announced in due course. Deputy Chief Executive Sarah Gardner will be stepping in as acting chief executive while an interim replacement is found.
Rhodes joined the Commission in 2021 and has overseen a period of significant regulatory change, including the implementation of reforms stemming from the Gambling Act Review.
Oversight of major regulatory reforms
During his tenure, the UKGC introduced a series of measures aimed at strengthening consumer protection and reshaping online gambling standards.
Rhodes also oversaw the launch of the Gambling Survey for Great Britain, which the Commission describes as one of the largest datasets on gambling behaviour globally. The latest survey found that teenage boys and young men are encountering gambling in ways that “look very different from previous generations.”
Beyond consumer safeguards, the Commission highlighted Rhodes’ role in delivering the fourth National Lottery licence, which was awarded to Allwyan UK in 2022. The licence has been mired in conspiracy and lawsuits. After Allwyn was awarded the licence, the transition was delayed by legal challenges from incumbent operator Camelot and tech partner IGT, which were only resolved when Allwyn acquired Camelot in 2023.
However, a high-stakes £1.3 billion lawsuit continues in the High Court, brought by billionaire Richard Desmond (The New Lottery Company), who alleges the Gambling Commission’s procurement process was biased and that unlawful contract modifications were made post-award..
Leadership transition underway
Charles Counsell, Interim Chair of the Gambling Commission, said Rhodes leaves behind a strengthened regulatory framework. “Andrew has provided outstanding leadership for nearly five years and leaves a strong legacy,” 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.”
Rhodes reflects on departure
In a LinkedIn post following the announcement, Rhodes described his time at the Commission as challenging but rewarding. “It’s been such a privilege to be CEO of the Commission since 2021 and it has never, ever been dull,” he wrote. “I feel lucky to have worked with some really brilliant people doing important work in a fascinating sector with lots of complex challenges.”
Rhodes added that while he is “very sad to be leaving,” he believes that “a whisker under five years is about the right time” and said he is excited about his next role.
Departure comes amid heightened regulatory scrutiny
Rhodes’ exit comes as the UK Gambling Commission continues to assert a firm regulatory stance across emerging areas of the gambling ecosystem. Earlier this month, the UKGC issued a clear warning on prediction markets, stating that such products would likely fall within the definition of gambling if offered to British consumers and would need to operate within the existing licensing framework.
The transition also comes as the UK online gambling market shows signs of contraction, with a growing number of licensed operators cutting marketing spend or preparing to exit the country ahead of tighter bonus rules and sharply higher taxes, according to data from Gambler Media. This comes as new rules introduced by the UKGC cap wagering requirements on bonus funds at 10 times the bonus amount and ban mixed-product promotions. Additionally, from April 2026, the Remote Gaming Duty applied to online casino products will increase from 21 percent to 40 percent.
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