The Betting and Gaming Council has been amongst these reflecting on the departure of UK Playing Fee chief govt Andrew Rhodes, following affirmation that he’ll step down from the function on April 30, 2026.
Reacting to the news, Grainne Hurst, Chief Government of the Betting and Gaming Council, thanked Rhodes for his strategy throughout a interval of main change for the sector: “On behalf of the betting and gaming business, I want to thank Andrew for his professionalism in main our regulator.
“His hands-on strategy and willingness to have interaction straight with the business helped foster a extra knowledgeable and productive working relationship, even the place views didn’t all the time align.
“All through his time in publish, Andrew recognised the significance of sturdy shopper protections alongside the truth that round 22.5 million adults in Britain get pleasure from a wager every month. I want him each success for the longer term.”
Rhodes leads Playing Fee by numerous adjustments
Rhodes has led the Playing Fee for nearly 5 years, a stretch that oversaw the fee’s work on implementing the Gambling Act Review and the Gambling Survey for Great Britain. The work included the introduction of financial vulnerability checks, adjustments to cut back the depth of on-line video games, and a ban on certain marketing offers thought of probably dangerous.
Wanting again on his time within the function, Rhodes stated in a press release: “It has been a privilege to guide the Playing Fee by such an essential interval of change. I’m happy with the progress we now have made to strengthen regulation, enhance shopper protections, and guarantee playing is safer and fairer. I depart with confidence within the organisation, its individuals, and the work nonetheless to return.”
Charles Counsell, Interim Chair of the Playing Fee, additionally paid tribute to Rhodes’ management: “Andrew has supplied excellent management for practically 5 years and leaves a powerful legacy. He has led the Fee by main reform, strengthened our regulatory strategy, and ensured shopper safety has remained on the coronary heart of our work.”
With Rhodes making ready to step again, the fee has confirmed it should start the method of recruiting an interim Chief Government. Deputy Chief Government Sarah Gardner will step up as Performing Chief Government, protecting the areas of labor Rhodes will hand over throughout the transition.
The management change is going on at a time when regulators are paying a lot nearer consideration to rising dangers, particularly playing tied to cryptocurrencies. In an October 2025 ReadWrite report, the Playing Fee identified that crypto assets still raise big questions round shopper safety, transparency, and enforcement.
Featured picture: Librarian 1965 through WikiCommons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Playing Fee
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