Andrew Rhodes to step down as British Gambling Commission chief executive
Rhodes is to step down after overseeing a period of intense change in almost five years at the helm of the British gambling regulator.
UK.- The British Gambling Commission has announced that Andrew Rhodes will step down from the position of CEO at the end of April to take up a new role outside the organisation. Deputy CEO Sarah Gardner has been appointed interim chief executive and will oversee operations while the regulator begins the search for a permanent successor.
Rhodes took on the leadership role in June 2021, initially as acting CEO, after serving as registrar and COO at Swansea University. Previous positions in government included as director of products and services at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and COO at the Food Standards Agency.
When he took the helm of the Gambling Commission, the regulator was under intense scrutiny amid the abrupt resignation of Rhodes’ predecessor Neil McArthur in the wake of the controversy around the collapse of Football Index.
Confirmed as permanent CEO in May 2022, Rhodes went on to guide the regulator through a period of intense change in gambling oversight. This included informing the UK government’s review of the 2005 Gambling Act and implementing the subsequent Gambling White Paper recommendations, for which consultations are still ongoing in some areas.
In a statement issued Monday, the Commission highlighted Rhodes’ contributions, such as introducing financial risk checks and tightening controls on online gaming mechanics and marketing practices.
It also noted that Rhodes oversaw the introduction of the new Gambling Survey for Great Britain, regarded as one of the largest studies of gambling behaviour worldwide, and the tender for the Fourth National Lottery licence, which saw the lottery pass to a new operator for the first time since its inception.
Reflecting on his time in office, Rhodes said he was proud of the Commission’s progress in strengthening regulation and enhancing consumer protections. “It has been a privilege to lead the Gambling Commission through such an important period of change. I leave with confidence in the organisation, its people and the work still to come,” he said.
Charles Counsell, interim chair of the Commission, praised Rhodes’ leadership, saying: “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.”
Industry reaction
Rhodes is widely seen to have successfully steered the Gambling Commission through a period of major regulatory change. That’s included implementing measures from the Gambling Act Review and expanding the regulator’s enforcement actions against illegal offerings despite the regulator’s financial challenges, with it running at a deficit in the past couple of years.
The British government recently opened a consultation on proposals to increase fees for gambling operators from October 1 2026 in order to balance the books.
Rhodes’ position saw him sometimes come into conflict with industry stakeholders, particularly on the issue of financial risk checks. Rhodes also criticised operators at times for being too slow to act amid repeat regulatory breaches and he pulled no punches when it came to calling the industry out for allegedly misrepresenting statistics.
However, Rhodes is also credited with introducing more dialogue between the regulator and the industry. That includes the creation of the Gambling Commission’s Industry Forum in 2023.
Some have expressed concern about the timing of the CEO’s departure as it adds some uncertainty for the industry during what is expected to be a challenging period. Rhodes will leave the Gambling Commission just weeks after the UK Treasury’s new gambling tax regime takes effect on April 1.
The Gambling Commission is also seeking a new chair. Counsell has been in the position on an interim basis for a years since the departure of Marcus Boyle in February 2025.
Commenting on Rhodes’ departure, Grainne Hurst, CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “On behalf of the betting and gaming industry, I would like to thank Andrew for his professionalism in leading our regulator. His hands-on approach and willingness to engage directly with the industry helped foster a more informed and productive working relationship, even where views did not always align.
“Throughout his time in post, Andrew recognised the importance of strong consumer protections alongside the fact that around 22.5 million adults in Britain enjoy a bet each month. I wish him every success for the future. I look forward to working closely with Sarah Gardner as she steps up as Acting Chief Executive during this transitional period.”
