UKGC Chief Executive Andrew Rhodes to Depart After Five Years

Andrew Rhodes, Chief Executive of the UK Gambling Commission, has announced his departure from the regulator effective 30 April 2026. Rhodes will take up a new role, details of which will be announced separately.

Legacy of Regulatory ReformDuring his tenure, Rhodes oversaw significant changes to UK gambling regulation, including the implementation of key measures from the Gambling Act Review. His leadership brought substantial new consumer protection requirements to the industry.

Key initiatives delivered under Rhodes' leadership include:

Introduction of financial vulnerability checks for operatorsNew rules reducing the intensity of online gamesBans on potentially harmful marketing offersLaunch of the Gambling Survey for Great Britain, now one of the world's largest gambling behaviour studiesSuccessful transition to the Fourth National Lottery licenceInterim Leadership ArrangementsDeputy Chief Executive Sarah Gardner will step up as Acting Chief Executive during the transition period. The Commission will begin recruiting an interim Chief Executive shortly.

Interim Chair Charles Counsell confirmed the Board's confidence in the executive team's ability to maintain delivery of strategic priorities during the leadership transition.

Rhodes stated he leaves with confidence in the organisation and the work still ahead, while Counsell acknowledged the departing CEO's role in strengthening the Commission's regulatory approach with consumer protection at its core.