Andrew Rhodes has confirmed he will conclude his nearly five-year tenure as Chief Executive of the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) on April 30, 2026.
Rhodes, who joined the Commission in 2021 from higher education leadership, steered the regulator through the most turbulent period in its history, including the total overhaul of the 2005 Gambling Act and the introduction of the first mandatory 40% remote gaming duty under the Labour government.
Andrew Rhodes:
“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… I leave with confidence in the organisation, its people, and the work still to come.”
A Legacy of Reform and Enforcement
Under Rhodes’ leadership, the UKGC ramped up enforcement significantly. In the 2024-2025 period alone, the Commission conducted over 9,700 compliance activities, a massive jump from the previous year’s 4,200.
Rhodes was also instrumental in introducing the Gambling Survey for Great Britain, now the largest study of its kind globally, and securing a £26m funding increase from the Treasury to specifically target the illegal crypto-betting market.
Leadership Transition Amidst “Black Market” Surge
Rhodes’ departure leaves a leadership void at a critical moment. The industry is currently battling a “demographic shift” toward unlicensed offshore platforms.
Sarah Gardner, the current Deputy CEO who has been with the Commission since 2009, will step in as Acting Chief Executive to maintain strategic continuity while the Board begins a global search for a permanent successor.
Industry voices, including the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), have lauded Rhodes’ willingness to engage directly with the sector, even when views diverged. The new incumbent will inherit a landscape defined by fiscal pressure and the need to protect over 22.5 million monthly bettors from a growing black market.
