The CEO of the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), Andrew Rhodes, will step down in April to take up a new role outside the commission.
During the period of searching for and appointing a permanent CEO, Deputy Chief Executive Sarah Gardner will serve as acting head.
Rhodes took office in 2021 after three years at Swansea University, where he held the positions of Registrar and Chief Operating Officer. He led the commission during a period of significant transformation in gambling regulation in the UK and across Europe, including the review of the Gambling Act and the recent tax increase — with the remote gaming duty set to rise to 40% from April 2026.
A statement released by the commission on Monday noted that Rhodes’ work included “introducing financial vulnerability checks, reducing the intensity of online games, and banning potentially harmful marketing offers.”
“He also oversaw the launch of the Gambling Survey for Great Britain, now one of the largest surveys of gambling behavior in the world,” the statement added.
Rhodes Proud of Regulatory Achievements
Rhodes highlighted that he is proud of the Gambling Commission’s achievements in strengthening regulation and improving 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 added.
Commenting on the move, Charles Counsell, interim chair of the Gambling Commission, 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.”
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