Andrew Rhodes, the Chief Executive of the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), has announced his decision to step down from his role on 30 April 2026. Rhodes has led the Commission through significant reforms in the gambling sector, overseeing the introduction of vital consumer protection measures and the implementation of the Gambling Act Review.
Rhodes, who has served as UKGC Chief Executive for nearly five years, will leave to take up a new role, which is expected to be announced in due course. His departure marks the culmination of a period of transformation at the Commission, with a focus on consumer safeguards, such as financial vulnerability checks and a reduction in online game intensity.
Key Achievements Under Rhodes’s Leadership
During his tenure, Rhodes made substantial contributions to gambling regulation in the UK. Under his leadership, the UKGC saw the successful implementation of the Fourth National Lottery licence, a milestone in ensuring that the Lottery operates within updated frameworks. His tenure also saw the introduction of the Gambling Survey for Great Britain, now one of the largest surveys of gambling behaviour in the world, providing essential data for future policy and regulation.
Rhodes commented on his decision, saying:
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.
Rhodes’s departure follows a significant period of change for the gambling sector in the UK, with his leadership steering the Commission through numerous regulatory adjustments.
The Next Steps for the Gambling Commission
As the Gambling Commission begins the transition to new leadership, Charles Counsell, Interim Chair of the Commission, acknowledged the significant contributions of Andrew Rhodes during his tenure. Rhodes’s leadership over the past five years has been pivotal in guiding the Commission through critical regulatory reforms and ensuring consumer protection remained central to its operations.
In response to his departure, Counsell expressed gratitude for Rhodes’s leadership and legacy of reform:
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 begin recruiting a Chief Executive for an interim period, with Deputy Chief Executive Sarah Gardner stepping up as Acting Chief Executive to lead the organisation through this transitional phase.
Challenges Ahead: UKGC and the Future of Gambling Regulation
Rhodes’s departure comes at a critical time for the UK gambling landscape, which continues to evolve in response to emerging challenges. Football betting regulation, crypto gambling, and further reforms following the Gambling Act Review are all expected to be focal points in the coming years. In his 2025 speech, Rhodes discussed these challenges facing football betting and the rise of crypto gambling — issues that will remain prominent under the next leadership.
For operators, the transition in leadership and the ongoing regulatory reforms signal that UKGC’s priorities — including tighter consumer protections and new compliance measures — will continue to shape the gambling industry in the UK.