Andrew Rhodes is set to leave his role in the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) on 30 April 2026, bringing to an end his almost five-year tenure with the regulator.
Rhodes was at the helm of UK gambling as it embarked on a major transition, which included the most significant reforms since the introduction of the Gambling Act in 2005.
Rhodes stated: “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.”
Now the industry is faced with a void of leadership and a major battle against the surge of the black market amidst crippling tax hikes implemented by the Labour government, which will coincide with Rhodes’ departure in April.
The UKGC isn’t alone in searching for new leadership, with the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) last month confirming the departure of Michael Dugher.
The Commission is set to move quickly in commencing the process of recruiting a Chief Executive for an interim period.
Deputy Chief Executive Sarah Gardner will step up as Acting Chief Executive to cover the areas of work that Andrew will step back from during this transitional period.
The Board has full confidence in the Executive team’s ability to continue delivering on the strategic priorities during this period.
Charles Counsell, Interim Chair of the Gambling Commission, added: “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.”
BGC CEO, Grainne Hurst took to LinkedIn to react: “On behalf of the betting and gaming industry, I would like to thank Andrew Rhodes, following the announcement that he will be stepping down as CEO of the Gambling Commission at the end of April.
“His professionalism in leading our regulator, alongside 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.”
UK gambling challenges
The new incumbent of the role will face immediate challenges, as the UK sector faces another period of transition into the 40% era, which will leave many operators battling to retain profitability.
The task of drawing government attention to the black market will be inherited by the new chief, with Rhodes having been vocal about its threat, urging the government to stop ignoring a growing crypto betting sector in the UK.
In one of his final CEO briefings, Rhodes described the “pressure building within the system” as a new demographic embraces cryptocurrencies.
“The reality is, in some years to come, there will probably be a significant cohort of consumers who use cryptocurrencies because that is what they’re accustomed to. It is a demographic shift that will find they have no place in the legitimate industry because of the currency they use,” stated Rhodes.
However, off the back of the budget last year, the industry was empowered with £26m in funding to fight against the black market.
Speaking at the BACTA Annual Convention in November, Rhodes underpinned just how significant this was, perhaps a turning of the tide in terms of the threat perception of the black market following the unveiling of the UK budget.
He said: “Yesterday’s budget is actually for me personally, the first time in many years that a budget has had such significant meaning and that there has been so much build-up for the area that I have been working in.
“Certainly, yesterday we saw some very significant changes in taxation levels in several areas and we will start to see what impacts that may or may not have.
“As that starts to take shape, I am pleased that the effectiveness of the commission on illegal gambling has been recognised by the treasury with an additional £26m over the next three years.
“Put that in context, that’s something like a nine-fold increase in the money we have to fight illegal gambling. In my 20 years on executive boards of public bodies, I’ve never known that kind of multiple from the treasury ever before.”
Undoubtedly, a foremost priority for Rhodes’ replacement will be to continue raising awareness among policymakers to the threat of the black market.
Pivotal political engagement
Another major gambling departure saw John O’Reilly leave Rank Group Plc. In his parting words, following a 33-year career he warned that the industry can’t afford to shy away from politics as gambling approaches a new era for taxes.
O’Reilly warned:“In this sector, you can do everything right operationally and still be undone by a single tax decision or regulatory shift.
“If you’re not in Westminster and Whitehall explaining your business, explaining your customers and explaining the consequences of policy, you’re leaving your future in someone else’s hands.”
The importance of the new UKGC chief being head on when it comes to engaging with UK politics is vital, especially at a time when the UK retail sector is set to face intensified scrutiny.
