Sarah Gardner and Her Commitment to the Gambling Commission

Sarah Gardner has been at the Gambling Commission for nearly 17 years, serving in various roles. What has kept her there is the variety of challenges in the gaming sector. "From a regulatory perspective, it’s really interesting because you're trying to find a balance between allowing enjoyment and ensuring protections," Gardner commented to GGB. "That’s why I’ve never left. I’ve held most of the senior positions at the Commission.

Changes in Senior Management

Gardner is currently serving as interim CEO, following Andrew Rhodes' departure in February. This year, there have been changes in the senior management of the Commission. Tim Miller, Director of Policy, also announced his departure in June. Some of his responsibilities will be assumed by Sarah Fox, a senior official from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport, in September.

A Creative Approach to Regulation

Despite the changes, Gardner humorously describes herself as "a lifelong enthusiast of the Gambling Commission." "There’s always a new challenge. Someone once told me that gaming regulation is seductive. I'm not sure I would go that far, but it certainly keeps you engaged," she explained. "I’m fostering a more creative approach and avoiding always resorting to drastic measures."

The Challenges of Regulating Gaming

Her time at the Commission has had challenges, particularly in the face of political criticism regarding updates to the Gambling Act 2005 review. "Regulation is a thankless task because you can never please everyone. Any announcement generates polarization," Gardner explains. In particular, the Commission has taken a polarizing approach to affordability checks, known as financial risk assessments.

Pilot of Financial Risk Assessments

A pilot conducted in 2025 identified high-spending players for additional credit checks. The measure was delayed, but in July its implementation was confirmed with a phased approach. This received criticism from various sectors, including horse racing and politicians.

Gardner commented: "What we are doing now with financial risk assessments, although controversial, seeks to find a balance between enjoyment and protection. A large sample of consumers is not being asked for additional documents, which I consider intrusive for a leisure activity."