Rhodes appointed Gambling Commission CEO on permanent basis

Rhodes became interim chief executive two months after Neil MacArthur stepped down in March, being appointed for an 18-month term while the regulator searched for a full-time replacement.

He had previously held senior roles at the Department for Work and Pensions and the DVLA, as well as serving as registrar and chief operating officer at Swansea University.

During his time as interim chief executive he worked with the government on the review of the 2005 Gambling Act. Also during his time in charge, the regulator published a set of new rules for high-risk customers, including banning marketing to those classed as high-risk. These rules are due to come into effect on 12 September after further guidance is issued in June.

Now, the Commission has announced he will remain as CEO indefinitely after his 18-month term ends. His selection as permanent CEO had long been rumoured, after media reports in January said he would continue on in the post.

“Now the Commission’s permanent chief executive, Andrew will continue to work closely with chair Marcus Boyle, the board of commissioners, and the commission’s senior leadership team to ensure Great Britain’s gambling industry is regulated strongly and effectively,” the regulator said. “He will also continue his stakeholder engagement programme with consumers, industry, parliamentarians and those with lived experience.”

Last month, Rhodes told iGB that operators need to rethink how they conceive of affordability, while he also said that he was not concerned that any upcoming changes brought about in the review or high-risk customer rules will drive players to the black market.