The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has announced that Chief Executive Andrew Rhodes will leave the group on April 30th, 2026, to take on a new job.
Rhodes has been in charge of the regulator for almost five years, during which regulations for the UK gambling industry have undergone significant changes.
Rhodes was in charge of the Commission’s work on the government’s Gambling Act Review while he was at UKGC. As Chief Executive, he helped ensure that consumer protections were a top priority. Key measures introduced under his leadership included financial vulnerability checks, limits on the intensity of online games, and bans on potentially harmful marketing offers.
He also oversaw the launch of the Gambling Survey for Great Britain, which has become one of the largest surveys of gambling behaviour globally.
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.”
Leadership Transition and Legacy of Reform
Rhodes was in charge of the successful implementation of the Fourth National Lottery license and the Commission’s strategy shift toward more robust, outcome-focused regulation, in addition to making changes to the rules.
Reflecting on his departure, Rhodes stated: “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.”
The Commission will soon start looking for a temporary Chief Executive. In the meantime, Sarah Gardner, the Deputy Chief Executive, will take over as Acting Chief Executive and take care of Rhodes’ duties during the transition.
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