Former Gambling Commission CEO Andrew Rhodes has come under sharp political scrutiny following his appointment as principal consultant at London-based strategic advisory firm Hawkbridge.
Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP, who chairs the All Party Parliamentary Group for Gambling Reform, says the transition “appears to be a clear conflict of interest and raises real questions.”
Duncan Smith, who led the Conservative Party between 2001 and 2003, has called on government departments to act quickly in reviewing the appointment and its implications.
He argued that a cooling-off period should have applied, stating: “In such a job as CEO of the Commission, surely, as in senior civil servants that depart, there should be a period of ‘cooling off’ before he is able to take up a position so clearly linked to his role in the Commission.”
Rhodes departed the Gambling Commission on 30 April 2026, having served as its CEO for nearly five years, during which he oversaw sweeping changes to British gambling regulation.
His arrival at Hawkbridge was confirmed this week, where he will “advise clients on international regulatory strategy, government and regulatory engagement, and governance and operational standards.”
Rhodes spoke positively about the opportunity, saying: “There has rarely been a single source of regulatory, commercial and operational advice at such a senior level available to the sector.”
Duncan Smith raised two pointed concerns about the move, questioning whether Rhodes had considered future industry employment while still making significant regulatory decisions as CEO.
He also asked whether Rhodes would be able to “use information gained at the Commission for the benefit of this firm and its industry clients,” calling the appointment one that “raises serious questions of propriety.”
Will Prochaska, director of the Campaign to End Gambling Advertising, warned that the move would damage the regulator’s already fragile public standing, noting that “CEGA polling shows low public confidence in the Gambling Commission, and this will only damage its reputation further.”
Prochaska added that “in practice and perception, the Commission should be independent of the sector it regulates,” a sentiment that sits at the heart of the broader debate surrounding the appointment.
Not all voices in the industry share the same concern, with former Gambling Commission director of monitoring and enforcement Andrew Lyman acknowledging that Rhodes “did take time to understand gambling business models and the commercial context.”
Lyman, now serving as Gibraltar gambling commissioner, also noted that “whilst some don’t like the ‘revolving door,’ it is of mutual benefit to both regulators and the industry.”
Becky Harris, former chair of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, offered an international perspective, suggesting that someone in Rhodes’ position taking an advisory role is a “real benefit” to the industry.
Harris acknowledged the “gravitas” that would remain attached to Rhodes’ name throughout his career, while noting that his former title carries an “obligation to act ethically and with integrity.”
She expressed concern that restricting such expertise would be counterproductive, adding: “We want more compliance, we want more regulatory knowledge, we want better management of regulatory relationships, and that’s what Andrew will be doing at Hawkbridge.”
Duncan Garvie, founder of BetBlocker, took a more measured view, describing the move as “a fairly mundane and anticipatable decision for someone with his employment history.”
Duncan Smith has specifically urged DCMS, the Cabinet Office and the Gambling Commission itself to review the matter, stressing that “transparency regarding any restrictions, cooling-off periods, or conflict-of-interest arrangements is vital if public trust in the regulatory system is to be maintained.”
Rhodes and Hawkbridge have both been approached for comment, and any post-employment conditions tied to his new role will in due course be made public via the government website.
