Bingo Association AGM: Sarah Gardner Highlights Collaboration, Regulation and Industry Growth

Speaking on 7 May 2026, Gardner praised the sector’s commitment to constructive engagement with the Gambling Commission and highlighted upcoming regulatory changes affecting bingo businesses across the UK.

Tribute paid to outgoing Bingo Association CEO Miles Baron

During her speech, Gardner paid tribute to outgoing Bingo Association Chief Executive Miles Baron, recognising his long-standing contribution to the industry and his collaborative approach with regulators.

Gardner recalled Baron’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting his efforts to represent bingo operators during lockdowns and support discussions with government and regulators.

She described Baron as a “strong advocate” for the sector who consistently worked towards practical solutions rather than conflict.

The Gambling Commission executive also welcomed incoming CEO Nicole Sutherland and said the regulator looks forward to continuing its partnership with the Bingo Association.

Gambling Commission stresses value of industry collaboration

A major theme of the speech was the importance of cooperation between the gambling industry and regulators.

Gardner rejected suggestions that regulators should avoid close engagement with operators, arguing that collaboration helps achieve safer, fairer, and crime-free gambling more effectively.

According to Gardner, the bingo sector has become a strong example of constructive engagement, particularly during consultations on gaming machine regulation and data collection initiatives.

Gambling Survey for Great Britain reveals updated bingo participation data

Gardner also discussed developments relating to the Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB), which has faced scrutiny from parts of the gambling industry over methodology and participation figures.

The Bingo Association worked alongside the Gambling Commission to investigate discrepancies between official survey data and industry admissions data regarding bingo participation.

As a result, a new survey question was introduced to better identify where consumers play bingo.

Updated findings showed:

3.3% of UK adults participated in bingo during 2024

1.2% played bingo in traditional bingo clubs

Bingo Association admissions data estimated participation at approximately 1%

Gardner said the revised methodology has helped improve understanding of the sector and confirmed that the social aspect of bingo remains a major reason consumers participate in land-based bingo activities.

UK bingo sector generates £816 million in Gross Gambling Yield

The Gambling Commission also revealed updated financial statistics for the bingo industry covering 2024/25.

According to Gardner:

Non-remote bingo generated £650 million in Gross Gambling Yield (GGY)

Remote bingo generated £166 million

Total bingo sector GGY reached £816 million

The bingo sector now represents approximately 5% of the total UK gambling industry GGY, which stands at £16.8 billion.

Gardner noted that around two-thirds of non-remote bingo revenue currently comes from gaming machines, while 35% is generated directly from bingo games.

New gaming machine compliance rules arrive in July 2026

The speech also highlighted upcoming regulatory changes linked to the Gambling Commission’s Gaming Machines consultation.

From 29 July 2026, non-remote operators will be required to immediately remove gaming machines from premises if notified by the Commission that the machines are non-compliant or were serviced without the appropriate technical operating licence.

Gardner said the changes are designed to streamline enforcement procedures and ensure unsafe or non-compliant machines are removed quickly.

The Gambling Commission is expected to publish the remaining consultation outcomes during summer 2026.

Illegal gambling crackdown backed by £26 million funding boost

Gardner confirmed that the UK Government has allocated £26 million in new funding over the next three years to strengthen the Gambling Commission’s efforts against illegal gambling operations.

The additional resources will support increased enforcement activity, including a stronger focus on illegal land-based gambling venues.

Gardner acknowledged that enforcement efforts would continue to require cooperation with police and other agencies but said the funding would significantly improve the Commission’s ability to act.

Gambling Commission outlines priorities for 2026

The Commission’s latest Business Plan includes several key priorities affecting bingo operators and the wider gambling sector, including:

Implementation of the Gambling Act Review

Improved industry data and evidence gathering

Stronger compliance enforcement

Expanded action against illegal gambling

Gardner concluded by reaffirming the regulator’s commitment to maintaining a collaborative relationship with the bingo sector and thanked industry stakeholders for their continued engagement.