The chair of the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC), Andrew Rhodes, is leaving his role after five years as the gambling authority engages in a major shake-up of the leadership team.
It is anticipated Rhodes will take up another position within the authority, though that role is yet to be determined. He has previously served as a senior British civil servant as Director General of Operations.
UKGC pays tribute to Rhodes
An influential figure within the commission, Rhodes was praised for his focus on protecting individuals against the trappings of addiction by the UKGC. In a statement, they said: “Andrew has led the work required from the Commission to implement the Gambling Act Review, with a strong focus on consumer safeguards.
“This has included the introduction of financial vulnerability checks, reducing the intensity of online games, and banning potentially harmful marketing offers. 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.”
They also highlighted his work in establishing the Fourth National Lottery licence and “transforming the Commission’s approach to regulation through more robust and outcome-focused strategies.”
Sarah Gardner will step up as acting chief executive during the search for a new CEO, it’s been confirmed. Gardner has 17 years of experience with the authority.
Rhodes thanks UKGC for opportunity to lead
In a statement, Rhodes put on record his appreciation to serve as CEO. In a statement, he 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.”
Interim Chair of the Gambling Commission, Charles 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.”
While Rhodes’ next move is yet to be confirmed, his departure comes at a crucial time for the authority as they aim to navigate choppy financial waters over the coming months.
Challenges await incoming UKGC chief
The next CEO will inherit a regulator facing immediate pressure, with the UK gambling sector entering what industry figures have described as the “40% era” of taxation, a shift expected to strain operator profitability and reshape the market.
A central challenge will be maintaining government focus on the growing black market particularly unlicensed crypto-based betting. Rhodes had repeatedly warned that rising cryptocurrency adoption risked pushing younger consumers toward illegal operators, arguing that parts of the population were being locked out of the regulated sector because of the currencies they use.
Despite those concerns, the regulator secured a significant boost in last year’s budget, with £26m allocated over three years to combat illegal gambling. Rhodes described the funding uplift as unprecedented, calling it a turning point in how the Treasury views the black-market threat. Ensuring that momentum continues is likely to be a key priority for his successor as the Commission navigates a period of regulatory and financial transition.
Work remains for authority to remain economically viable, consultation argues
A paper published by the government last month shone a light on the precarious economic situation facing the UKGC. It has led to calls to establish a new betting licence in the UK to help boost the coffers.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) research on the UKGC found: “Forecasted costs will increase in future years, and without a fee uplift in October 2026, the Commission’s reserves are expected to be completely exhausted during the 2026 to 2027 financial year.
“The Commission plans to absorb some future inflationary pressures, but without an uplift it forecasts a deficit of £7m in 2027 to 2028, rising to £9.5m in 2030 to 2031.”
The transition comes as the UKGC faces mounting pressure to balance its expanded regulatory remit with long-term financial sustainability. With leadership changes underway and funding questions unresolved, the coming months are likely to prove pivotal as the regulator seeks to maintain oversight standards while securing the resources needed to deliver reforms set out in the government’s Gambling Act review.
