The Gambling Commission has confirmed that CEO Andrew Rhodes will step down this April after five years in the role, in order to take up an as-yet unannounced position elsewhere. Deputy chief executive Sarah Gardner will oversee the Commission’s strategic priorities during the transitional period.
Andrew Rhodes is to step down as CEO of the Gambling Commission this April after five years in the role, during which time, the official statement conveyed, he oversaw a “transformation” of the regulator, including a new focus on data, implementation of the Gambling Act Review, and a stronger focus on consumer safeguards.
Rhodes joined the Commission in June 2021 as interim CEO before taking over the helm permanently a year later. He assumed the post with little experience of the gambling industry, but his endeavours were well regarded within the framework of the regulator itself.
“Andrew has provided outstanding leadership of the Commission for almost five years and has overseen a transformation of the Commission and how it regulates the gambling industry,” said the Commission’s official statement.
“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.”
Commenting on his tenure, Rhodes 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.”
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.”
The Commission will now begin the process of recruiting an interim chief executive, with deputy CEO Sarah Gardner serving as acting chief executive, allowing the Commission “to continue delivering on the strategic priorities during this period.”
BACTA RESPONSE – Joseph Cullis
“Andrew’s decision to step down comes after a period of constructive and open engagement between the Gambling Commission and the land-based sector. Bacta has had a very positive working relationship with Andrew, which I believe is important between a regulator and a trade association.
Throughout his time as Chief Executive, Andrew was always willing to engage directly with operators and to understand the practical demands facing our members. That openness allowed for frank conversations, where we could be honest about what was working, what was not, and how regulation could be improved in a way that was effective and workable in practice.
Andrew understood the pressures facing high street and seaside operators, and that insight helped support more informed and grounded dialogue between the Commission and industry.
Looking ahead, we look forward to working closely with Sarah Gardner as Acting Chief Executive and to continuing Bacta’s positive and constructive relationship with the Gambling Commission.”
GBG RESPONSE – Peter Hannibal
“We wish Andrew well in his next role.But importantly, we look forward to the DCMS appointing a new knowledgeable Gambling Commission CEO who can take a balanced and proportionate approach to a) the Licensing Objectives, b) growth and c) the GC’s primary purpose – that of ‘regulating’.
BGC RESPONSE – Grainne Hurst
“On behalf of the betting and gaming industry, I would like to thank Andrew for his professionalism in leading our regulator. 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.”
