Andrew Rhodes Eyes New Role After Gambling Commission Exit

Andrew Rhodes

Andrew Rhodes who confirmed his departure from the UK Gambling Commission recently and The UK regulator saying that Rhodes will leave his position on 30 April 2026, concluding nearly five years at the helm where Rhodes joined the organization in 2021 and has steered the watchdog through substantial regulatory shifts.

Rhodes reflected on his time leading the regulator. “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 organization, its people, and the work still to come”.

Charles Counsell, Interim Chair of the Gambling Commission, acknowledged Rhodes’ contributions. “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”.

Deputy Chief Executive Sarah Gardner will serve as acting CEO during the transition period.

What New Role is Rhodes Pursuing?

Official statements from the Gambling Commission indicate Rhodes’ next position will be announced in due course. But industry sources have reported details about his intended destination.

Sky News journalist Mark Kleinman reports that Andrew Rhodes has been in discussions with Hawkbridge, a new advisory firm launched by specialist gaming lawyers Harris Hagan in February. John Hagan, Bahar Alaeddini and David Whyte will lead the consultancy. Rhodes is scheduled to begin at Hawkbridge on 1 May without gardening leave.

Industry insiders who spoke on condition of anonymity alleged Rhodes had been planning his exit for some time. He had grown dissatisfied with the 2025 Budget and the Commission’s lack of funds. A UKGC spokesperson confirmed to Sky News that Andrew Rhodes gambling commission tenure will transition to work within the wider sector. The spokesperson noted his transparency about these plans.

The regulator emphasized that Rhodes is bound by confidentiality obligations and post-employment restrictions. These include limits on the use of confidential information and on participation with matters connected to his previous responsibilities. These restrictions want to prevent conflicts of interest and protect the Commission’s work integrity. Rhodes has stepped back from duties which might present risks of conflict. Sarah Gardner and other executive team members now cover these responsibilities.

Rhodes’ exit arrives during a period of substantial regulatory flux. The timing raises operational questions, as his April 30 departure follows the April 1 implementation of Remote Gaming Duty increases from 21% to 40% for online casino operators. Online sports betting duty will rise from 15% to 25% in April 2027. These fiscal changes reshape operator cost structures while leadership transitions.