Andrew Rhodes will leave his post as Chief Executive of the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), bringing an end to nearly five years at the helm during one of the most transformative periods in British gambling regulation.
The regulator confirmed earlier today that Rhodes will officially depart on 30 April 2026, just a month after HM Treasury’s new gambling tax framework comes into force. Details of his next role have not yet been disclosed, with an announcement expected at a later date.
In a statement, the Commission praised Rhodes for his leadership throughout a time of sustained reform and scrutiny. Interim Chair Charles Counsell said Rhodes leaves behind a strong organisation and a lasting impact.
“Andrew has provided outstanding leadership for nearly five years and leaves a strong legacy,” said Charles Counsell, Interim Chair of the Gambling Commission.
“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.”
During the transition period, Deputy Chief Executive Sarah Gardiner will assume the role of Acting Chief Executive.
Commenting about his departure on LinkedIn, Rhodes said, “It’s been such a privilege to be CEO of the Commission since 2021 and it has never, ever been dull…
“I feel lucky to have worked with some really brilliant people doing important work in a fascinating sector with lots of complex challenges.
“I’m very sad to be leaving but I also think a whisker under five years is about the right time for me personally and I am really excited about what I do next.”
Rhodes joined the UKGC as Acting CEO in June 2021, stepping into the role following the sudden resignation of Neil McArthur and amid the government’s review of the 2005 Gambling Act. He was later confirmed as permanent CEO.
Before joining the regulator, Rhodes held senior public sector roles including Chief Operating Officer at the Food Standards Agency, Director of Operations at the Department for Work and Pensions, and Director of Products and Services at the DVLA. Earlier in his career, he worked as a technology consultant at PwC. Alongside his UKGC duties, he also served as Chair of Swansea City AFC.
His arrival coincided with intense political and media pressure, particularly following the collapse of Football Index, which exposed regulatory shortcomings and left around £100m in customer funds at risk. At the same time, the betting industry was growing increasingly frustrated by delays to the Gambling Act review, first launched in December 2020 to modernise UK gambling law.
After repeated postponements, the long-awaited White Paper was finally published in April 2023, introducing measures such as financial risk checks, stake limits for online slots, a sponsorship code of conduct, and a mandatory levy to fund research, education and treatment related to gambling harm.
Rhodes’ tenure also covered the Fourth National Lottery Licence Competition, which resulted in long-standing operator Camelot UK being replaced by Allwyn as the licence holder for the next decade. Both the lottery tender and the Gambling Act reforms prompted criticism from MPs and campaigners, some of whom called for major changes to the Commission itself.
At the same time, the regulator took a tougher stance on enforcement. High-profile actions included record financial penalties against Entain (£17.2m in 2023) and William Hill (£19m in 2024), signalling a more aggressive regulatory approach.
Rhodes further added that, “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.”
Public and political attention on gambling policy has continued even after the White Paper’s publication. Late last year, Rhodes addressed claims that the UKGC had been too lenient on football betting sponsorships, particularly in the Premier League.
While several clubs have voluntarily agreed to phase out front-of-shirt gambling sponsors from next season, the move was not mandated by the regulator. The UKGC also faced criticism over the prominence of white-label operators under TGP Europe, whose brands appeared on kits worn by multiple Premier League clubs.
Following regulatory action by both the UKGC and the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission, TGP Europe eventually exited the UK market.
With Rhodes’ departure now confirmed, attention will turn to the Commission’s next permanent leader and how they navigate the next phase of reform in an already reshaped UK gambling market.