The Gambling Commission has announced plans for stricter regulation of non-compliant gaming machines and intends to intensify enforcement against illegal land-based gambling activities.
Speaking at the Bingo Association’s annual general meeting on 7 May, acting chief executive Sarah Gardner outlined the regulator’s approach, which balances partnership with operators alongside a firm stance on compliance and enforcement.
Gardner emphasised that working cooperatively with the bingo sector has already yielded tangible benefits. This included resolving discrepancies in national gambling statistics.
“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,” Gardner told attendees.
She praised the outgoing Bingo Association chief executive, Miles Baron, for his decade of engagement and welcomed his replacement, Nicole Garrett, who committed to “continue to build that collaborative relationship”.
More people played bingo in 2024 than was predicted says GSGB
A prime example of this collaboration has been the improvement of data accuracy around bingo participation rates. Some operators previously questioned the Gambling Survey for Great Britain’s (GSGB) estimates on player numbers.
In response, the Commission, in conjunction with the Bingo Association, introduced a new survey question to identify more precisely where bingo is played. This adjustment reduced the gap between GSGB’s estimates and the Association’s admissions-based data.
The revised figures showed that 3.3% of adults in Great Britain played bingo in 2024, with 1.2% playing in traditional bingo clubs. This compared with the Bingo Association’s figure of 1.0% based on premises admissions.
The new question will be retained to refine participation data as the sample size grows.
Gardner highlighted that the GSGB data also reaffirmed “the social nature of bingo” as a core driver of in-person participation. This was a key insight for operators focusing on the experience rather than gaming yield alone.
Gaming machines must be immediately removed
The Commission released headline figures from its Industry Statistics for 2024/25, showing that total bingo Gross Gambling Yield (GGY) amounted to £816 million. This represented roughly 5% of the UK gambling industry’s £16.8 billion total.
Of this, non-remote (land-based) bingo generated £650 million, while remote bingo accounted for £166 million. Notably, two-thirds of land-based bingo GGY derived from gaming machines in venues, with bingo games themselves contributing 35%.
This context sets the stage for the Commission’s ongoing Gaming Machines consultation.
Gardner announced that, from 29 July 2026, non-remote operators must immediately remove gaming machines if informed by the Commission that they lack the required technical operating licence or fail to meet technical standards.
This move aims to “streamline processes and ensure non-compliant machines are swiftly removed from premises”.
Gardner also indicated that the full response to the consultation would be published “this summer”.
Tackling illegal gambling
Turning to enforcement, Gardner highlighted new government funding of £26 million allocated to the Commission over the next three years to enhance efforts to tackle illegal gambling, especially in land-based venues. The UK government also recently allocated £25.4 million to gambling-harm prevention organisations.
“This funding will allow us to invest, arguably for the first time in a serious way, in addressing land-based illegal gambling,” she said, while noting the importance of continued collaboration with law enforcement agencies such as the police.
The announcement comes amid anticipation of decisions from the government on the Gambling Act review and consultations on the Commission’s funding and fees.
The Commission is in the final year of its current corporate strategy.
Gardner concluded by reaffirming the Gambling Commission’s intent to collaborate closely with the Bingo Association and compliant operators. This partnership, she said, supports the delivery of “safer, fairer and crime-free gambling.”
The Commission has committed to publishing further details on its plans following ministerial decisions on fees.
Kathryn Evans
Kathryn covers bitesize breaking news with a primary focus on EMEA and US legislation. A proud North Walian, fluent Welsh speaker and lifelong Wrexham FC fan – long before Hollywood came calling.
Original article: https://igamingbusiness.com/casino-games/ukgc-tougher-measures-on-gaming-machines-illegal-gambling/
