Andrew Rhodes to Step Down as UK Gambling Commission CEO
Andrew Rhodes, chief executive officer of the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), has announced he will step down from his role on 30 April 2026, bringing to a close nearly five years at the helm of Britain’s principal gambling regulator.
The Commission confirmed the leadership change in an official statement on 9 February, saying Rhodes will leave to take up a new role that will be announced in due course, though details of his future position have not yet been made public.
Tenure Marked by Regulatory Reform
Rhodes joined the UKGC in June 2021, initially as interim chief executive before being confirmed as the permanent CEO. During his tenure, he led the regulator through a period of significant transformation, overseeing the implementation of key aspects of the Gambling Act Review and a host of reforms aimed at strengthening consumer protections across the UK gambling sector.
Under his leadership, the Commission introduced measures including financial vulnerability checks, efforts to reduce the intensity of online gaming products, and the banning of potentially harmful marketing offers. The Commission also launched the Gambling Survey for Great Britain, now regarded as one of the largest studies of gambling behaviour in the world, designed to provide robust insights into participation and harm.
On the National Lottery front, Rhodes oversaw the rollout of the Fourth National Lottery licence, a major milestone in the sector’s regulatory landscape.
In a statement reflecting on his tenure, Rhodes 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.”
Interim Leadership and Next Steps
Charles Counsell, interim chair of the UKGC, paid tribute to Rhodes’ leadership, saying he has provided “outstanding leadership” and leaves behind a “strong legacy”. Counsell emphasised that consumer protection remained central to the regulator’s work throughout the reforms led by Rhodes.
The Commission confirmed it will begin recruiting a new chief executive, with Deputy Chief Executive Sarah Gardner to act as interim CEO during the transition. The regulator added that the leadership change is not expected to disrupt the delivery of its strategic priorities.
This leadership transition comes at a time of continued regulatory focus on strengthening player safeguards, tackling emerging risks in online gambling, and responding to wider industry and political pressures for reform.
