Andrew Rhodes’ plan to remain in the industry after stepping down as CEO of the Gambling Commission has obviously ruffled some feathers. So much so that his possible step across the divide to the industry side has been questioned by Shadow Minister Mike Wood in a Parliamentary Question to DCMS Secretary of State.
Earlier this month, reports emerged that Rhodes was in discussions about a role at Hawkbridge, a newly launched gambling industry advisory firm, once he leaves the regulator on 30 April. As that date draws closer, Wood, the Opposition Whip, asked the DCMS whether the departing CEO has submitted all the right paperwork – to the layperson, that’s posh speak for is there something not quite right here and are all the guardrails in place?
Ian Murray, minister of state at the DCMS, attempted to alleviate any concerns. “As required by the model contract for Public Bodies, the Gambling Commission has robust policies in place to manage business appointments and conflicts of interest, including clear obligations under their Employee Code of Conduct to ensure that the risk of conflicts of interest are considered at the earliest opportunity,” he said.
Translation for the layperson again: there better not be, and if there is, the blame falls squarely on GamCom. The savvy Murray, who clearly knows the imperfections of the regulator, added: “The Commission is satisfied that appropriate mitigations are in place to manage and reduce the risk of any actual or perceived conflicts of interest.”
To those of us not in the privileged set – that’s clever political speak for let’s throw GamCom into the middle of the road just in case a bus comes along.
A spokesperson for the regulator confirmed that Rhodes will remain “bound by confidentiality obligations and post-employment restrictions” if he does join the private sector.
Good to know – we’re all sure there’s no regulatory secrets hidden away in the bowels of the Gambling Commission!
Originally published on Coinslot on March 30, 2026. Republished with permission.