Gambling Commission Chief Executive Andrew Rhodes to Depart

UK Gambling Commission News

Published February 9th, 2026

Detected March 13th, 2026

Summary

Andrew Rhodes, Chief Executive of the UK Gambling Commission, has announced his departure effective April 30, 2026. His tenure oversaw significant reforms, including consumer safeguards and the implementation of the Gambling Act Review. The Commission will begin recruiting a new Chief Executive.

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What changed

Andrew Rhodes, the Chief Executive of the UK Gambling Commission, has announced his departure from the role on April 30, 2026. During his nearly five-year tenure, Rhodes led significant reforms within the Commission, including the implementation of the Gambling Act Review, which introduced measures such as financial vulnerability checks, reduced online game intensity, and a ban on certain marketing offers. He also oversaw the introduction of the Gambling Survey for Great Britain and the successful implementation of the Fourth National Lottery licence.

This announcement signifies a leadership transition for the Gambling Commission. While Rhodes' departure is not directly related to new regulatory obligations for the industry, it marks the end of a period of substantial reform under his leadership. The Commission will initiate a process to recruit an interim Chief Executive, with Deputy Chief Executive Sarah Gardner stepping in as Acting Chief Executive during the transition. The Executive team is expected to maintain continuity in delivering strategic priorities.

Source document (simplified)

Gambling Commission Chief Executive announces departure

09 February 2026

The Gambling Commission is today announcing that Andrew Rhodes has decided to leave the Commission on 30 April 2026, to take up a new role, which will be announced in due course.

Andrew has provided outstanding leadership of the Commission for almost five years and has overseen a transformation of the Commission and how it regulates the gambling Industry.

Andrew has led the work required from the Commission to implement the Gambling Act Review, with a strong focus on consumer safeguards. This has included the introduction of financial vulnerability checks, reducing the intensity of online games, and banning potentially harmful marketing offers. He has also overseen the introduction of the Gambling Survey for Great Britain, now one of the largest surveys of gambling behaviour in the world.

Amongst his other achievements, Andrew oversaw the successful implementation of the Fourth National Lottery licence and transformed the Commission’s approach to regulation through more robust and outcome-focused strategies.

He said: “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.”

Charles Counsell, Interim Chair of the Gambling Commission, said “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.”

The Commission will shortly begin the process of recruiting a Chief Executive for an interim period. Deputy Chief Executive Sarah Gardner will step up as Acting Chief Executive to cover the areas of work that Andrew will step back from during this transitional period.

The Board has full confidence in the Executive team’s ability to continue delivering on the strategic priorities during this period.

Last updated: 9 February 2026

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