Former Gambling Commission CEO Takes Advisory Role at Hawkbridge, Officials Comment to Betting.co.uk

Former Gambling Commission CEO Andrew Rhodes has joined gambling advisory firm Hawkbridge as a Principal Consultant, with the Commission stating he will be bound by confidentiality regulations to try and prevent a potential conflict of interest.

Rhodes left the British regulator in April, having been at the helm since June 2021. Rhodes initially joined as Interim Chief Executive for a planned 18-month period before taking up the role permanently in June 2022.

During his tenure, Rhodes oversaw the implementation of the government’s 2023 Gambling White Paper, one of the most significant publications in the history of gambling in the UK, which set out more than 60 proposals to update the country’s gambling laws. Among the terms recommended were affordability checks, a statutory levy, and a cap on the maximum stakes on online slots at £5 for older adults and £2 for younger adults.

Potential conflict of interest

In his new role with Hawkbridge, reports of which had first been reported in March, Rhodes will advise clients on international regulatory strategy, government and regulatory engagement, governance and operational standards. This could potentially create a conflict of interest, as Rhodes will have to comply with various confidentiality rules when moving into new roles.

A Gambling Commission spokesperson told Betting.co.uk: “Andrew will be bound by confidentiality obligations and post-employment restrictions, including limits on the use of confidential information and on engagement with matters connected to his previous responsibilities. These restrictions are designed to prevent conflicts of interest and protect the integrity of the Commission’s work. These apply to all employees.

“In line with these obligations and his contractual terms, any services Andrew provides will relate only to countries, territories, or legal jurisdictions that fall outside the Commission’s regulatory remit for a restricted contractual period of six months from resignation.”

Bahar Alaeddini, Co-Founder of Hawkbridge, told Betting.co.uk: “Robust safeguards were in place in relation to Andrew's appointment, and we will continue to follow due process to manage any potential conflicts of interest.”

Speaking about his reasons for joining Hawkbridge, Rhodes said: “I have joined Hawkbridge for a simple reason: there has rarely been a single source of regulatory, commercial and operational advice at such a senior level available to the sector."

When leaving the Commission, Rhodes hinted at how challenging the role had been, mentioning it is “often a difficult role in an environment with such strongly competing and differing views, but it is also a fascinating one and I feel very fortunate to have had the privilege.”

What next for the Commission?

The Commission is in the process of appointing an interim chief executive, with the process being overseen by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Sarah Gardner has moved into the role of Acting Chief Executive during the transitional period.

Rhodes’ replacement will be tasked with the potential implementation of financial risk assessments (FRAs) and affordability checks. In May, the Commission delayed a decision on whether to implement FRAs, with the regulator’s board deciding more time is needed to complete its assessment on the matter. FRAs have been proposed as a means of identifying high-spending remote gambling players who may be in financial difficulties.

Speaking at the Clarion Payment Providers Summit last month, the Commission’s Director of Policy Ian Angus wished to stress how FRAs differ from the separately proposed affordability checks. Light touch vulnerability checks were initially triggered when a player spent £500 in a month as part of a trial that began in August 2024, and from February 28, 2025, this decreased to £150 spend in a month. The final stage of the rollout is yet to be announced.

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