Andrew Rhodes to Leave UK Gambling Commission in April

Leadership at the UK gambling regulator is set to change as the organisation prepares for its next phase of regulatory oversight.

Good to Know

• Andrew Rhodes will leave the Gambling Commission in April
• Sarah Gardner will serve as acting chief executive
• Recruitment for a permanent CEO is set to begin

Before the next increase in remote gaming duty takes effect, the Gambling Commission will transition to interim leadership. Andrew Rhodes confirmed plans to depart the regulator and move into a new role outside the commission later in April.

The commission confirmed that Sarah Gardner, currently deputy chief executive, will assume the role of acting CEO while the search for a permanent replacement gets underway.

Rhodes joined the commission in 2021 after serving three years as registrar and chief operating officer at Swansea University. His tenure coincided with a broad reshaping of gambling regulation across the UK and parts of Europe.

Several of the most substantial policy shifts occurred under his leadership. The Gambling Act review and subsequent white paper reset regulatory expectations, while changes to online gambling rules tightened standards around game design, marketing practices, and player protections.

Tax policy also shifted during the period. Remote gaming duty is scheduled to rise to 40 percent from April 2026, marking one of the most significant fiscal changes for UK licensed operators in recent years.

A commission statement released Monday outlined multiple regulatory initiatives delivered during Rhodes time in office. The regulator cited “the introduction of financial vulnerability checks, reducing the intensity of online games and banning potentially harmful marketing offers”.

The statement also highlighted work tied to research and data collection. It said:

“He has also overseen the introduction of the Gambling Survey for Great Britain, now one of the largest surveys of gambling behaviour in the world.”

Rhodes addressed his departure in his own remarks, focusing on institutional progress rather than personal plans. He said:

“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.”

Governance oversight remains with the board during the transition. Charles Counsell, interim chair of the commission, credited Rhodes with guiding the regulator through sustained reform.

Counsell said:

“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.”

FAQ

When will Andrew Rhodes leave the Gambling Commission?

Rhodes is scheduled to depart in April.

Who will lead the commission next?

Sarah Gardner will serve as acting chief executive during the recruitment process.

What regulatory changes occurred during Rhodes tenure?

Key changes included the Gambling Act review, new consumer protection measures, and an increase in remote gaming duty.

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