The UK Gambling Commission has announced that Chief Executive Andrew Rhodes will leave the regulator on 30 April 2026 to take up a new role, which will be confirmed at a later date.
Rhodes, who has led the Commission for almost five years, is credited with overseeing significant reforms in the way the regulator operates and supervises the gambling industry. During his tenure, he played a central role in delivering the Gambling Act Review, with a focus on strengthening consumer protections.
Measures introduced under his leadership included financial vulnerability checks, limits on the intensity of online games, and a ban on certain marketing incentives deemed potentially harmful. He also oversaw the launch of the Gambling Survey for Great Britain, now regarded as one of the largest studies of gambling behaviour worldwide.
Among other achievements, Rhodes led the successful rollout of the Fourth National Lottery licence and reshaped the Commission’s regulatory model to emphasise stronger, outcomes-focused enforcement.
In a statement, 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.”
Charles Counsell, Interim Chair of the Gambling Commission, praised Rhodes’ leadership and said he would leave “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,” he said. “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Andrew for his dedication and wish him every success in the future.”
The commission said it will begin the process of appointing an interim chief executive in the coming months. Deputy Chief Executive Sarah Gardner will assume the role of Acting Chief Executive during the transition, taking on responsibilities Rhodes will step back from ahead of his departure.
The board added that it has full confidence in the executive team’s ability to continue delivering its strategic priorities during the interim period.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2026/02/10/117529-andrew-rhodes-to-step-down-as-uk-gambling-commission-chief-executive-in-april-2026
