UKGC Introduces Enhanced Measures to Regulate Gaming Machines and Combat Illegal Gambling
The recent release of figures by the Bingo Association has revealed that in 2024, 3.3% of adults in Great Britain participated in bingo, with 1.2% doing so at traditional bingo clubs. This development coincides with the UKGC push for tougher regulation of gaming machines, alongside increased enforcement efforts against illegal land-based gambling.
During the Bingo Association’s annual general meeting on 7 May, acting chief executive Sarah Gardner discussed the regulator’s strategy, which emphasizes collaboration with operators while maintaining a strong stance on compliance and enforcement. Gardner highlighted that working hand-in-hand with the bingo sector has already led to positive outcomes, including clarifying discrepancies in national gambling statistics. She remarked, “We know what we can achieve through our powers, but we know that we can achieve a whole lot more for our objectives by working with those in industry who are willing to work with us.”
She also praised outgoing Bingo Association chief executive Miles Baron for his decade of commitment, and welcomed his successor, Nicole Garrett, who has pledged to “continue to build that collaborative relationship.” A notable example of this partnership’s success is the improved accuracy of bingo participation data. Some operators had previously questioned the GSGB’s estimates on player numbers. In response, the Commission and the Bingo Association introduced a new survey question aimed at better identifying where bingo is played. This adjustment narrowed the gap between GSGB estimates and the Association’s admissions-based data.
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The updated figures show that 3.3% of adults in Great Britain played bingo in 2024, with 1.2% playing in traditional clubs close to the Association’s own figure of 1.0%. The new question will continue to be used to refine participation data as the sample size expands. Gardner emphasized that the GSGB data reaffirmed “the social nature of bingo” as a key driver of in-person participation, providing valuable insight for operators who are focusing on the experience rather than just gaming revenue.
Regarding gaming machines, the Commission’s latest Industry Statistics for 2024/25 reveal that bingo’s total Gross Gambling Yield (GGY) reached £816 million, about 5% of the UK gambling industry’s total of £16.8 billion. Of this, non-remote (land-based) bingo contributed £650 million, with remote bingo accounting for £166 million. Importantly, two-thirds of land-based bingo GGY stemmed from gaming machines in venues, with bingo games themselves making up 35%.
This context underscores the importance of the ongoing Gaming Machines consultation. Gardner announced that from 29 July 2026, non-remote operators will be required to immediately remove gaming machines if the Commission determines they lack the necessary technical operating licence or do not meet technical standards. This measure aims to “streamline processes and ensure non-compliant machines are swiftly removed from premises.” She added that the full response to the consultation would be published “this summer.”
On the enforcement front, Gardner highlighted a new government funding package of £26 million over the next three years to strengthen efforts against illegal gambling, particularly in land-based venues. Additionally, the government has allocated £25.4 million to gambling-harm prevention organizations. Gardner stated, “This funding will allow us to invest, arguably for the first time in a serious way, in addressing land-based illegal gambling,” emphasizing the importance of ongoing collaboration with law enforcement agencies like the police.
This announcement comes ahead of anticipated government decisions on the Gambling Act review and consultations regarding the Commission’s funding and fees. The Commission is currently in the final year of its existing corporate strategy. Gardner concluded by reaffirming the Gambling Commission’s commitment to working closely with the Bingo Association and compliant operators. She emphasized that this partnership supports the goal of delivering “safer, fairer and crime-free gambling.” Further details on the Commission’s plans are expected following ministerial decisions on fees. UKGC Gaming Illegal Gambling
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