Outgoing Gambling Commission CEO Could be Conflicted in New Position

Reports suggest outgoing Gambling Commission Chief Executive & Commissioner Andrew Rhodes is close to joining a gambling law firm’s new consultancy when he leaves the British regulator in April, opening himself up to a potential conflict of interest.

Rhodes, whose departure from the Commission was announced in February, is said to have been in talks with Hawkbridge, a new advisory firm; the launch of which was announced by gambling law specialists Harris Hagan. Harris Hagan said Hawkbridge will be an independent strategic advisory firm for the gambling sector.

Rhodes, who has been with the Commission since 2021, has been rumoured to be moving to the commercial sector within the gambling industry, and the recent update makes this appear far more likely.

There is a possibility Rhodes could miss out on his final salary pension due to the sudden nature of his departure from the Commission.

Joining “the wider sector”

A spokesperson is quoted by Sky News as saying:

"Andrew has told us he is going to work within the wider sector and has been open with us about his plans. Andrew has stepped back from any duties which might present risks of a conflict of interest. These will be covered by Sarah Gardner, deputy chief executive and other members of the Commission’s executive team."

The spokesperson also said Rhodes would 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... [and] apply to all employees."

Conflict of interest?

The restrictions mentioned point towards a potential conflict of interest. It is currently unclear which companies Rhodes could potentially be advising, but there would naturally be a high degree of sensitive information Rhodes will take from his time at the Commission which he would be unable to share.

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. Gardner has moved into the role of Acting Chief Executive during the transitional period.

Rhodes had been leading the regulator for more than four years. Having initially taken over as Interim Chief Executive in June 2021, this position was made permanent in June 2022.

When announcing his departure from the regulator, 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 to come.”

White Paper and tax issues

During his time with the Commission, Rhodes oversaw the implementation of the 2023 Gambling White Paper. The White Paper was one of the most significant publications in the history of gambling in the UK, setting out more than 60 proposals to update the country’s gambling laws.

Among the terms recommended were affordability checks, in an attempt to protect players spending a certain amount within a certain timeframe, improved identification checks, a statutory levy, and a cap on the maximum stakes on online slots at £5 for older adults and £2 for younger adults.

Rhodes was also in place when the government announced an increase in remote gaming duty, paid on online casino bets. This will rise from 21% to 40% of gross gambling yield in April.