Andrew Rhodes, outgoing CEO of the Gambling Commission, has held discussions about joining Hawkbridge, a new advisory firm focused on the gambling sector, according to a report by Sky News.
The report states the regulator risks scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest after acknowledging Rhodes has drawn up plans to take a commercial role within the sector when he steps down next month.
A Gambling Commission spokesperson declined to comment on the identity of Rhodes’s new employer, but said: “Andrew has told us he is going to work within the wider sector and has been open with us about his plans.”
The spokesperson added: “Andrew has stepped back from any duties which might present risks of a conflict of interest. Those responsibilities will be covered by Sarah Gardner, Deputy Chief Executive and other members of the Commission’s executive team”.
The Commission also said Rhodes would be subject to ongoing restrictions after leaving the regulator.
The spokesperson 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”.
Hawkbridge was launched last month by Harris Hagan, a specialist UK gambling law firm and that the industry had been “rife with rumours” Rhodes had agreed to join it.
Rhodes’s resignation was announced with the Commission engaged in a legal dispute involving Richard Desmond over the decision to award the current National Lottery operating licence to Allwyn.
The Gambling Commission is recruiting an interim chief executive and is overseen by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
At the Betting and Gaming Council’s AGM on 27 February, a panel including Gambling Commission Executive Director Ian Angus and executives from Entain, Rank Group and EY discussed the impact of rising costs, tax pressure and the risk of displacement to illegal operators, with a focus on collaboration across tech firms and the financial sector to address unlicensed activity.
The Gambling Commission says its post-employment restrictions are designed to prevent conflicts of interest and apply to all employees
