Gambling Commission e‑Bulletin: Key Updates

The latest Gambling Commission e‑bulletin (9th of February) delivers several regulatory developments of direct relevance to licensing practitioners, with forthcoming consultations, leadership changes, and new compliance requirements shaping the year ahead.

Leadership Change at the Gambling Commission

Chief Executive Andrew Rhodes will leave the Commission on 30 April 2026 after nearly five years in post. His tenure has been marked by significant organisational and regulatory reform. A recruitment process for his successor has not yet begun, but the Commission has published a full announcement outlining the transition.

DCMS Opens Consultation on Commission Funding

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has launched a Fees Review, its first since 2021, examining how the Gambling Commission is funded. The consultation runs until 29 March 2026 and invites views on proposed changes to the fee structure.

New Rules on Non‑Compliant Gaming Machines

From 29 July 2026, non‑remote operators will face strengthened obligations to remove non‑compliant gaming machines immediately when notified by the Commission. The rules target machines manufactured, supplied, installed, adapted, maintained, or repaired without the appropriate technical operating licence or in breach of standards.

Recruitment Opens for New Commission Chair

DCMS has begun the appointment process for the next Chair of the Gambling Commission. The successful candidate will lead the Board in delivering statutory objectives and shaping the Commission’s strategic direction. Applications close 13 March 2026.

Consultation on Regulatory Settlements

A further consultation has been launched on updating the destination of regulatory settlements, prompted by the introduction of the Government’s statutory levy and the planned wind‑down of GambleAware. The consultation is open until 2 April 2026.

Commission View on Prediction Markets

Director of Strategy Brad Enright has published a blog outlining the Commission’s position on prediction markets and their availability in Great Britain. The piece clarifies how such products fit within the existing regulatory framework.

Updated Market Impact Data Published

The Commission has released further operator‑sourced data covering gambling behaviour between March 2020 and December 2025, spanning both online activity and high‑street betting premises. The Commission stresses that the dataset is not representative of the entire industry and should not be compared with official statistics.