(AsiaGameHub) –   The Gambling Commission has introduced stricter rules for non-compliant gaming machines and plans to step up enforcement against illegal gambling operations on land.

At the Bingo Association’s annual general meeting on 7 May, acting chief executive Sarah Gardner outlined the regulator’s strategy, which combines cooperation with operators with a strong focus on compliance and enforcement.

Gardner highlighted that working together with the bingo sector has already led to real improvements, including resolving differences in national gambling statistics.

“We understand the powers we hold, but we also know that much greater progress toward our goals can be made by collaborating with industry partners who are willing to engage with us,” she told attendees.

She commended outgoing Bingo Association chief executive Miles Baron for his ten years of involvement and welcomed his successor, Nicole Garrett, who pledged to “continue strengthening this collaborative relationship.”

More people played bingo in 2024 than was predicted, according to GSGB

A key example of this partnership is the enhancement of data accuracy regarding bingo participation rates. Previously, some operators had challenged the Gambling Survey for Great Britain’s (GSGB) figures on player numbers.

In response, the Commission collaborated with the Bingo Association to introduce a new survey question aimed at identifying more accurately where bingo is played. This change narrowed the gap between GSGB’s estimates and the Association’s admissions-based data.

The updated figures showed that 3.3% of adults in Great Britain played bingo in 2024, with 1.2% playing in traditional bingo clubs. This compared to the Bingo Association’s figure of 1.0%, based on premises admissions.

The revised question will remain in use to improve participation data as the sample size increases.

Gardner noted that GSGB data also confirmed “the social nature of bingo” as a major factor driving in-person attendance—an insight valuable for operators focused on experience rather than just gaming revenue.

Gaming machines must be immediately removed

The Commission published headline figures from its Industry Statistics for 2024/25, showing total bingo Gross Gambling Yield (GGY) reached £816 million. This accounted for approximately 5% of the UK gambling industry’s total of £16.8 billion.

Of this, non-remote (land-based) bingo generated £650 million, while remote bingo contributed £166 million. Notably, two-thirds of land-based bingo GGY came from gaming machines in venues, with bingo games themselves making up 35%.

This context underpins the Commission’s ongoing Gaming Machines consultation.

Gardner announced that, effective 29 July 2026, non-remote operators must immediately remove gaming machines if notified by the Commission that they do not hold the necessary technical operating licence or fail to meet technical standards.

This measure is intended to “simplify procedures and ensure that non-compliant machines are quickly taken off-site.”

Gardner also stated that the full response to the consultation would be released “this summer.”

Tackling illegal gambling

On enforcement matters, Gardner highlighted new government funding of £26 million allocated to the Commission over the next three years to strengthen efforts against illegal gambling, particularly in land-based settings. The UK government has also recently provided £25.4 million to organisations focused on preventing gambling-related harm.

“This funding allows us, for the first time in a meaningful way, to focus seriously on tackling land-based illegal gambling,” she said, adding that ongoing collaboration with law enforcement agencies such as the police remains essential.

The announcement follows expectations around decisions from the government regarding the Gambling Act review and consultations on the Commission’s funding and fees.

The Commission is now in its final year of its current corporate strategy.

Gardner concluded by reaffirming the Gambling Commission’s commitment to close collaboration with the Bingo Association and compliant operators. She stated that this partnership supports the delivery of “safer, fairer, and crime-free gambling.”

The Commission has promised to publish further details on its plans once ministerial decisions on fees have been made.