£250,000
Foreword
Miles
Baron, Chief Executive, The Bingo Association
With some sadness and much pride, I attended my 53rd and final round of Bingo Association, National Bingo Game and Meeron Ltd board meetings on March 26th. That just leaves the Annual General Meeting on May 7th, and the Bingo Association Golf Day on 18th June to come in respect of ‘ official duties’ before I depart at the end of June.
It feels like a good time to move on:
• On April 1st, 2026, Bingo Duty was abolished. It was 20% when I arrived in 2012.
• The National Bingo Game is also revitalised, paying out £250k in Wigan, Cricklewood and Didcot since launch on February 12th this year.
• 22 Northern Irish operators are using Meeron WAGS technology to support their link games.
• The Bingo Association is the complete Trade body effective in all areas, with a highly capable, efficient, hard-working team at all levels of the organisation. This also includes the network of specialist advisors that has evolved over my 13 years.
My successor, Nicole Garrett, who formally joined as CEO on April 7th has no room for complacency, and neither does the industry. And I know that is not in her nature. The members of the BA, NBGA and Meeron are in safe hands, and you will all enjoy working with her.
These days there is always some threat to the licensed bingo industry, unintended or otherwise, and usually
regulatory in nature. There will be no time to draw breath! Gaming Machines Technical Standards consultation has the potential in its current form to negate all upside and worse from the budget; Gambling Compliance Assessments will put off operators looking to build and open new premises as a result of the budget with ‘ Aim to Permit ‘ becoming more like a ‘Presumption of Refusal’; and then there is the consultation on licensed Bingo premises which is likely to run and run when a swift resolution would be welcome.
Knowing what constitutes a Licensed Bingo premise might not seem a particularly taxing subject to some, but around the margins, where there is increasing investment and innovation it is crucial, and like many things in bingo, there is far more to it than first appears.
I wish Nicole and the team well with these challenges, but I am positive they will ensure the best possible outcomes for our great sector.
Thanks to all those I have worked with in the last 13 years at the BA/NBGA/Meeron Ltd.
I have had a lot of fun, and the team and I have shared some great achievements together.
Miles Baron Chief Executive
Published in hard copy and digital format (available on our website at www.bingoconnect.co.uk), Bingo Connect covers all things bingo, from news of regulatory development and new products, to industry profiles and charity support. Bingo is at the heart of the community and Bingo Connect is at the heart of the bingo industry.
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The Bingo Association™ www.bingo-association.co.uk
Editorial
Managing Editor Rob Johnson rob@rjbranddesign.co.uk
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The Editorial Policy
The views and opinions expressed in Bingo Connect remain principally the views of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or publishers. The publishers wish to avoid inaccuracies and whilst every precaution has been taken to ensure that information contained in this publication is accurate, no liability is accepted by the editor or publishers for errors or omissions however caused. Unless otherwise stated, articles appearing in this publication remain the copyright of the publishers and may not be reproduced in any form without the publisher’s written consent.
ISSN 2752-6372
Countdown starts NOW for National Bingo Week 2026!
National Bingo Week will return from Monday 22nd to Sunday 28th June 2026, and if last year is anything to go by, clubs across the country are in for another huge week!
Following the success of 2025, which was the biggest National Bingo Week yet, plans are already taking shape to make this year’s campaign even stronger. The early direction is clear: build excitement, drive footfall, and keep telling the wider story of why bingo remains such a great value, feel-good day or night out.
The headline message for 2026 is all about showing the true value of a visit to bingo. That means not just the chance to win, but the social side, the atmosphere, the sense of occasion and
the fact that bingo continues to offer something affordable, accessible and authentic in a crowded leisure market. The campaign line already being developed asks a simple question: can you find a better night, or day, out?
Operators can also expect the campaign to build on the strongest elements of 2025, with a joined-up national approach, plenty of shareable content, and more opportunities to get customers talking about bingo both in clubs and beyond them. Media storytelling, influencer social media,
public-facing moments and wider engagement will all play a part again, with more detail to follow in the coming weeks.
For now, the message to clubs is simple: get ready! National Bingo Week is back in June, the ambition is high, and the sector will once again be coming together to put the game firmly in the spotlight.
More information will be landing soon, so watch this space.
Bingo Duty scrapped
Operators already reinvesting!
One of the most important stories for land-based bingo this year came not from a jackpot or a club launch, but from Westminster. In the November 2025 Budget, the Government confirmed that Bingo Duty will be abolished from April 2026. For the sector, this was a major breakthrough.
For years, the Bingo Association has argued that bingo is different. It is lower risk, low stake, membership-based, and deeply rooted in local communities. This decision shows that Government has heard that case and acted on it.
Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury Dan Tomlinson MP described the move as a “full house win” for bingo halls and the communities that rely on them. He recognised that bingo clubs are about far more than gambling. They are about friendship, fun and connection, and they play a real role on high streets and in local life.
That recognition matters. So does the practical effect. Bingo Duty is currently charged at 10% on profits. Its removal gives operators muchneeded breathing space after years of rising costs and economic pressure. It supports the sector’s 7,000 jobs and helps clubs remain affordable, social venues for the millions of people who continue to enjoy them.
Importantly, the industry made a clear promise during the campaign: if duty was cut, the money saved would be reinvested. That promise is already being honoured.
Across the UK, operators are putting money back into clubs and customer experience. Buzz Bingo Newcastle and Buzz Bingo Bristol have both completed major refurbishments. Club 3000 has announced significant
investment in its flagship venue in Coatbridge.
Palace Bingo are also investing in their clubs at Coalville and Nuneaton. These are not just plans. They are real examples of the sector acting quickly and positively.
Paul Swindon, Head of Governance and Compliance at the Bingo Association, called the abolition of Bingo Duty “a transformative moment” and “a powerful vote of confidence” in the sector’s community value.
He is right. This is more than a tax change. It is a signal that bingo is being recognised for what it really is: a safe, sociable and valued part of British life.
No single measure solves every challenge the sector faces. But this one gives clubs headroom to invest, improve and plan ahead. And for that reason alone, it stands out as one of the biggest and most welcome developments of the year.
➜ Images: First: Palace Bingo Coalville; Second: Dan Tomlinson MP; Third: Buzz Bingo Bristol; Fourth: Club 3000 Coatbridge
Eyes down for a quarter of a million
The National Bingo Game gets its biggest upgrade in years
In 1986, a new idea took shape that would connect bingo players across Britain like never before: a single national game of bingo, shared by clubs up and down the country, with everyone chasing the same prize. The National Bingo Game was born - and it has been making winners ever since. Forty years on, it just got a whole lot bigger.
On 12th February 2026, the top jackpot rose from £50,000 to £250,000. Same great game… but with five times the prize. And it took just ten days to produce its first quarter-of-a-million-pound winner!
Why now?
The honest answer is that the game needed it. The National Bingo Game’s cost to play and jackpot levels had remained unchanged for over seven years. Some operators were running their own games with prizes above £100,000, which meant the National Bingo Game’s flagship jackpot was no longer the stand out amount it once was.
Meanwhile, the wider market had shifted, and customers who had been playing for years still talked fondly about the big national jackpots of decades past, when a win on the National Game felt like a genuinely extraordinary event.
It is worth remembering just how extraordinary those prizes have been over the years. When rollover jackpots were introduced in 2007, the “Big N” allowed prizes to exceed £1 million, and in January 2008, Christine Bradfield at Castle Bingo in Merthyr Tydfil became the first ever Platinum Jackpot winner, scooping £1,101,686.
In 2018, the game was reformatted and the now familiar £50,000 jackpot structure arrived, delivering its first winner that same year at Mecca Bingo Aberdeen.
Since then, the £50,000 jackpot has been won hundreds of times, every single one a life-changing moment for someone. But the ambition that made the National Bingo Game great in the first place demanded more.
The change was also well timed to mark a landmark year.
the
anniversary, and
2026 is
National Bingo Game’s 40th
launching a transformed top prize felt like the perfect way to celebrate it.
➜ The team at Club 3000 Wigan celebrate their landmark jackpot win!
The launch
The campaign around the launch was one of the most coordinated the National Bingo Game has seen. Operators received a full suite of in-club promotional materials: digital screen and printed posters, all carrying the new “Bigger Jackpot, Same Great Game” headline message.
Beyond the in-club push, regional social media influencers visited clubs across the country in the weeks around launch, sharing their visits with followers and helping to spread the word about the new jackpot, and more importantly, bingo!
Ten days later: The first big win!
On 22nd February, just ten days after the new jackpot went live, Club 3000 Bingo in Wigan produced the first ever £250,000 National Bingo Game winner.
“When my numbers were called, I was in total shock. At first, I thought it was a false call, but when I realised it wasn’t, I was absolutely stunned.”
She is 60 years old, a regular at the club, and was there that evening the way she always is - for a night out with her daughter.
“I love coming to Club 3000 Bingo in Wigan,” she said. “I always come along with my daughter for a great night out. When my numbers were called, I was in total shock. At first, I thought it was a false call, but when I realised it wasn’t, I was absolutely stunned. I had a drink, my daughter had a coke… we just soaked up every moment celebrating with everyone in the club.”
Her plans for the money capture everything that makes these stories so resonant. Her daughter is getting married on 1st August, and now she can have the wedding of her dreams. There is also a new car, a garden makeover, and a holiday in the pipeline. And a message for anyone who has never played: “You’ve got to be in it to win it.”
There is another layer to her story that will resonate with anyone who has grown up around the game. “My mum introduced me to bingo, and now I love coming with my daughter.” Three generations. The same social connection, the same reason to go out and spend time together. It is, in miniature, the story of bingo itself.
The National Bingo Game at a glance
Launched
1986 — launched to connect players across Britain in a single shared national game.
The prizes
£250,000 call full house in 14 numbers or fewer
£50,000 call full house in 16 numbers or fewer
£1,000 call full house in 20 numbers or fewer
£100 call full house in 24 numbers or fewer
How often
Twice daily at participating clubs across Britain.
A landmark win
In January 2008, Christine Bradfield at Castle Bingo, Merthyr Tydfil, won the first ever Platinum Jackpot: £1,101,686.
The modern era
Reformatted in 2018, with the £50,000 jackpot won for the first time at Mecca Bingo Aberdeen. Hundreds of winners since.
The new era
From 12th February 2026, the top prize rose to £250,000 - the biggest upgrade in nearly a decade, and on the game‘s 40th anniversary year.
First £250,000 winner
22nd February 2026, Club 3000 Bingo, Wigan.
National Bingo Game
Lisa Kinnaird, manager at Club 3000 Wigan, reflected on what the win meant beyond her own club. “It’s exciting for the entire bingo industry to celebrate such a significant prize, as it highlights the joy, community spirit and real opportunities that bingo can bring. We couldn’t be happier for her and we wish her and her family every success and happiness for their next chapter.”
Miles Baron, Chief Executive of the National Bingo Game, added: “We are delighted for our first £250,000 National Bingo Game jackpot winner at Club 3000 Wigan. With this incredible jackpot now on offer, players can enjoy the game they know and love, with the chance to win a truly life-changing amount.”
Buzz Bingo back in the National Game
The jackpot launch has coincided with another significant development: Buzz Bingo, one of the country’s bestknown operators, has rejoined the National Bingo Game across its full estate. Two of their clubs (Cricklewood and Northampton) were already participating, having come across via acquisition from Merkur.
But the rest of the Buzz estate has now followed, substantially expanding the network of clubs offering the new jackpot to players right across the country.
And it didn’t take long for results to follow. Buzz Bingo Lincoln, Cricklewood and Walsall have already produced £50,000 National Bingo Game winners since joining.
And the BIG winners keep on coming!
Since the launch of the new jackpot, the National Bingo Game has continued to show just how widely its lifechanging prizes can land, with two further winners!
At Buzz Bingo Cricklewood, Britain’s biggest bingo club, one lucky player won the new £250,000 jackpot. Then, only a few days later, the same top prize was won again at Coronet Bingo Didcot - a smaller independent club that proudly keeps things ‘traditional’ by playing on paper tickets only.
It is a brilliant reminder that the National Bingo Game really is for everyone. Whether you play in a major city club or a
local independent, on paper or electronically, every ticket gives players the same chance to win big. That is one of the great strengths of the National Bingo Game... clubs of every size can create unforgettable winners.
Forty years and counting
The National Bingo Game has survived the arrival of the National Lottery. It survived the smoking ban. It survived the explosion of online gaming and the pandemic that closed every club in the country for long periods. It survived because it does something no app or website can replicate: it puts people in a room together and delivers a moment of genuine anticipation, excitement and joy.
Forty years on… it’s “Eyes down. Jackpot up”!
For more information about the National Bingo Game, visit nationalbingo.co.uk
➜ Buzz Cricklewood: Ernest Boamah (Assistant Manager) with the winner’s cheque
Harlow student’s spur-of-the-moment bingo trip lands £50K!
When Megan Philpott’s plans fell through on a Sunday evening in January, her parents suggested a trip to Mecca Bingo in Harlow instead. The 21-yearold agreed. A few hours later, the family were celebrating a £50,000 jackpot.
Megan was playing on a paper ticket when her numbers started coming in.
“When my numbers kept coming, I looked at my mum and thought something strange was happening,” she said. “I said I needed number 13, and it got called. Then 31, and it got called.” When she claimed, she assumed she’d won the club prize. The caller had other news.
“He told me it could be £50k. I was so confused. He was checking my ticket and I kept thinking I must have made a mistake. But no… he confirmed it, and I went into complete shock. My mum flew across the table and hugged me.”
Megan had hit a full house inside the first 16 calls, triggering the National Bingo Game jackpot alongside the club prize. The timing
couldn’t have been better. She’s been saving for her first home, and the windfall has brought that prospect considerably closer. She’s allowing herself one treat first though… upgraded flights to Bali with her sister.
For Megan, bingo is a family tradition that her friends were initially sceptical about.
“They used to call me a ‘grandma’ for going. But once they came along, they loved it too. It’s such a social, relaxed
night out, and you never know what might happen.”
She’s not alone in finding her way there. Almost half of Mecca’s new members over the past year were under 35.
➜ www.meccabingo.com
Lightning strikes twice in Blackpool
Aregular at Mecca Bingo Blackpool had quite a Tuesday evening in January. Playing on a tablet with his partner at the Talbot Road club, he hit a full house inside 16 calls to land the £50,000 National Bingo Game jackpot. Then, still processing the news, he claimed a line in the very same session and won again!
Duty manager Danielle Cherry was
running the session. “He thought he’d won the smaller club prize, and when we announced the £50k jackpot he was completely shocked. He was so stunned he just carried on playing!”
It was Danielle’s first jackpot win in six years at the club, and she admits it got to her too. “Everyone was so happy for him. It’s an amazing feeling giving away a prize of that size. It’s the first time that I’ve been in the club when the
National Bingo Game jackpot has been won - and even I felt quite jittery!
“I started working at Mecca parttime to earn some money while I was studying for my degree and I’ve stayed because I love it so much. No two days are ever the same and the sense of community here makes it really special.”
➜ www.meccabingo.com
➜ Megan Philpott celebrates her huge win!
MPs in clubs: Political engagement builds across the country
One of the most encouraging developments for the bingo sector this year has been the growing number of MPs taking the time to visit clubs in their constituencies. These visits matter. They give parliamentarians the chance to see, first hand, that land-based bingo sits in a very different place to many other parts of the gambling sector.
From Buzz Bingo Rotherham to Club 3000 Kilmarnock, Mecca Bingo Swansea to Ryde Leo Leisure, MPs from across the political spectrum have been stepping through club doors, meeting operators, staff and customers, and seeing the community value of bingo up close.
Recent visits have included Sarah Champion MP, John Grady MP, Martin Rhodes MP, Tonia Antoniazzi MP, Chris Murray MP, Lillian Jones MP, Joe Robertson MP, Feryal Clark MP, Andrew Pakes MP and Jonathan Reynolds MP
That growing engagement is positive news for the industry. It reflects an increasing understanding in Westminster that bingo is low stake, community-based and highly social. Clubs are not simply places to
play; they are safe, affordable venues that bring people together, support local jobs and play an important role on high streets across the UK.
That message came sharply into focus when the Chancellor announced the abolition of Bingo Duty in the November 2025 Budget, a landmark decision for the sector. As covered elsewhere in this edition, that was followed by a club visit from Dan Tomlinson MP, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, who described the move as a “full house win” for bingo halls and the communities that rely on them. It was a clear sign that government is beginning to recognise bingo’s distinct and valuable role.
Just as importantly, the work does not stop there. The Bingo Association
remains committed to building on this momentum and ensuring that as many MPs and ministers as possible continue to see the sector at close quarters. The more they understand bingo, the stronger the sector’s voice will be when future policy decisions are made.
That engagement is already continuing at ministerial level, underlining the importance of maintaining a direct and constructive relationship with those in power. For bingo, this is about more than good access. It is about making sure policymakers understand the reality of modern club bingo and continue to treat it fairly. The more MPs see clubs for themselves, the stronger that case becomes.
➜ John Grady MP, with Mecca Bingo Glasgow Forge’s GM, Paul McGlinchey
➜ Tonia Antoniazzi MP visits Mecca Bingo Swansea
➜ Dan Tomlinson MP visited Buzz Bingo Tooting following the abolition of Bingo Duty in the Budget. Pictured here with Paul Swindon from the Bingo Association.
Coronet Bingo celebrates a life-changing £250,000 National Bingo Game win
There are some clubs that seem to have a little bit of extra magic about them. Coronet Bingo in Didcot is fast becoming one of them, after one of its regular players recently scooped the life-changing £250,000 jackpot on the National Bingo Game.
The 59-year-old local woman landed the top prize on Sunday 5th April, while enjoying a regular evening out at the club with her mum. What began as a familiar night of bingo quickly turned into one she will never forget.
Playing in the National Bingo Game’s new-look format, the winner saw all her numbers called in time to secure the quarter-ofa-million-pound jackpot. It is a remarkable result for any club, but especially striking for a venue like Coronet Didcot - a smaller independent club that continues to do things the traditional way, with paper tickets only.
That traditional approach makes the win all the more powerful. It is a reminder that the National Bingo Game gives every player the same chance, wherever they play and however they choose to enjoy the game. Whether in a major city venue or a local independent, on paper or electronic, the opportunity is the same. And Coronet has form when it comes to making headlines.
This latest success means the club has now delivered three major National Bingo Game jackpot wins in just 18 months, with a combined total of £350,000 won by its players. That is an extraordinary record for any venue, and one that says a great deal about the excitement the National Bingo Game can bring to regular club sessions.
The delighted winner said: “I love coming to Coronet Bingo Club in Didcot and have been a regular for years. When my numbers were called, I was in total shock, I was absolutely stunned.”
She added: “I love coming to my local bingo club it is so social and friendly. Winning this amount of money is incredible. I will definitely be helping my family out and sharing it with my mum who introduced me to bingo and may even think of retiring! If you’ve never played before, get yourself a National Bingo Game ticket - you’ve got to be in it to win it, and you never know”!
That sense of family, familiarity and shared experience is exactly what clubs like Coronet do so well. This was not just a big win. It was a big win in the middle of an ordinary club night, among familiar faces, in a place where the winner clearly feels at home.
Sean Tucker, manager at Coronet Bingo in Didcot, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to see one of our players take home £250,000. It’s a truly life-changing win for her and her family. We couldn’t be happier for her, and we wish her and her family every success and happiness for their next chapter. We are also thrilled that this is our third big jackpot win in just 18 months”.
Miles Baron, Chief Executive of the National Bingo Game, added:
“We are delighted to see our third £250,000 National Bingo Game jackpot was won at Coronet Bingo Club in Didcot. With this incredible jackpot now on offer, players can enjoy the game they know and love, with the chance to win a truly life-changing amount. Clubs big and small can all win BIG on the National Bingo Game, and we love making winners.”
For Coronet Didcot, this latest winner is another proud moment in what has become an impressive recent run.
For the wider industry, it is a brilliant example of what makes the National Bingo Game so special: life-changing prizes, local club nights, and the knowledge that big wins really can happen anywhere.
www.coronetbingo.com
➜ Coronet: Celebrating Coronet’s landmark win are Sean Tucker (Manager) and colleague Stacey Stewart
All change at the top: why this year’s AGM is one you won’t want to miss
Every year the BA’s AGM brings the industry together for a day of straight talking, sharp insights and quality networking. This year, on Thursday 7th May 2026, there are even more reasons to be in the room.
After thirteen years at the helm of the Bingo Association, Miles Baron will chair his final AGM. It’s the end of an era for a man who has led the sector through transformational change, fought its corner in Westminster, and helped raise over £2 million for Variety along the way. The open session will begin with Miles offering his own introduction and reflection, and it promises to be a moment worth witnessing.
But alongside that farewell comes a significant new beginning. Nicole Garrett will formally close the meeting, marking her arrival as the BA’s incoming Chief Executive. Nicole joins from the Allwyn Group, operator of the UK National Lottery, where she served as Group Head of Responsible Gaming. Her background spans Head of Corporate Affairs at bet365 and Head of Policy at the Betting and Gaming Council, bringing deep experience across policy, regulatory reform and stakeholder
engagement. She arrives at a pivotal moment for the sector, and the AGM will be the first opportunity for the wider industry to meet her in person.
The day itself is packed. Formal AGMs for Meeron, the NBGA and the BA take place in the closed morning session, before the afternoon opens up with a speaker programme that reflects exactly the issues facing the sector right now.
There will be a DCMS and Government update, followed by Sarah Gardner, Deputy Chief Executive of the Gambling Commission. With regulatory consultations ongoing and in the pipeline, both contributions will be essential listening.
Chris Sanger and Peter Arnold from EY return to give their read on the tax and economic landscape, building on the Budget analysis that has become a fixture of the BA’s expert insight programme. With the sector still feeling the effects of last year’s Budget, this will be keenly followed.
Stephen Lacey from The Outsiders and Leon Emirali of Nostrada AI round out the afternoon with perspectives on strategy and the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in business.
And Aubrey Allegretti, Chief Political Correspondent at The Times, will offer a view from Westminster at a time when the political landscape continues to shift.
The formal programme closes with an open Q&A, a drinks reception and plenty of time to catch up with colleagues across the sector.
This is a day for the whole sector. General managers, head office teams, suppliers and operators - all are welcome, and all have good reason to attend. Thirteen years is a long time. Don’t miss the moment it passes to the next chapter.
Date & Venue: Thursday 7th May 2026 at 44 Hallam Street, London W1W 6JJ
Key timings: Formal AGMs (Meeron, NBGA, BA) from 11.15am | Lunch from 1.00pm | Open session from 2.00pm | Drinks reception from 4.30pm
The agenda is subject to change at short notice. For more details or to register your attendance, contact Sharon Salmon at the BA: sharon@nationalbingo.co.uk
Mecca Hartlepool celebrates thirty years of winners
It was 1996. Britpop reigned supreme, England made the semi-finals of Euro 96, and the world was getting to grips with a new search engine called Google. But for many Hartlepudlians, the lasting memory of that year is the day Mecca Bingo opened its doors on Warrior Retail Park for the very first time.
Thirty years on, the club marked that milestone in style. Celebrations kicked off on Saturday 7th February, with live music, and continued Sunday with an afternoon party including a meal. Every customer received a glass of bubbly and a gift, with guaranteed jackpots up for grabs across both sessions.
Few people are better placed to reflect on those three decades than Sharron Dean, who was there on opening night and remains a familiar face on the team today.
“I was recruited when the club was still being built,” she said. “There was so much excitement about a new venue opening in the town that we held a preview event with Roy Walker, who was the host of ITV’s Catchphrase, and the star turn on the first night was comedian Jimmy Cricket.”
Sharron has watched the club evolve ever since, from the opening of the lounge area to the arrival of a whole new generation of players. And for the anniversary weekend, she brought back one of the original opening touches.
“Ahead of the opening date all the team attended training sessions. The first thing we learnt was the Mecca dance! I still have a CD of the jingles and we’ve had so many requests to do the dance again that I did it this weekend!”
General Manager Michelle Doherty says the anniversary was a chance to bring bingo fans old and new together. “We see everyone here, from teenagers celebrating turning eighteen with their families to hen parties, couples on first dates and friends coming together. Bingo is an experience that everyone can enjoy,
and we couldn’t wait for this weekend to mark thirty years of being an integral part of this amazing town.”
➜ Mecca Hartlepool’s Michelle Doherty and Sharron Dean
BingoPlus builds momentum across the UK
Throughout 2025, Wexel Gaming has continued to grow the BingoPlus network, bringing a modern, high-engagement bingo experience to venues across the UK. As operators look for new ways to diversify their entertainment offering and increase dwell time, BingoPlus has emerged as a powerful solution that combines the familiarity of traditional bingo with the energy of a professionally hosted live show.
One of the key advantages of BingoPlus is its ability to run seamlessly without requiring any additional staff, making it an ideal solution in today’s environment where operators are facing increasing operational costs. By delivering fully hosted, centrally managed bingo sessions, venues can introduce a highfrequency entertainment offering and generate additional revenue without increasing payroll or placing extra demands on their existing team.
At the heart of the system is a live, professionally hosted broadcast running every day from 10am until midnight, streamed directly from Wexel Gaming’s Hull-based green screen studios. This schedule allows venues to offer continuous bingo throughout the day, with more than 400 games played daily across the network. Because the sessions are centrally hosted and fully managed by Wexel Gaming, venues can provide a full bingo programme without needing to allocate staff to call numbers, run sessions, or manage gameplay.
These live sessions bring energy and personality to the experience, transforming bingo into an engaging spectacle that keeps players returning throughout the day. The interactive format allows players to engage through chat features while enjoying the atmosphere created by the hosts, giving venues the feel of a live bingo hall while their existing staff continue focusing on normal operations.
BingoPlus also integrates the National Bingo Game, giving venues access to one of the most recognised and trusted bingo formats in the UK. Recent increases to the National Bingo Game jackpot have further strengthened the appeal of the system, with players now competing for a £250,000 linked prize twice every day. This significant
jackpot offering provides a strong promotional hook for venues and encourages repeat play.
The network continues to welcome new partners. Admiral Middlesbrough and Mister C’s in Aberdeen are among the latest venues to join and are already seeing the benefits of offering a dynamic bingo experience enhanced by live hosts and interactive gameplay. For operators, the addition of BingoPlus introduces a fresh revenue stream that complements existing gaming and leisure offerings — without increasing operational staffing requirements.
Expansion shows no signs of slowing. Several new venues are scheduled to join the network during Q2, including LOL Bingo’s brand new venue and Playland Wednesbury, alongside an expansion in Clacton. Each additional venue strengthens the linked network, increasing prize excitement and building further momentum behind the BingoPlus brand.
As the UK gaming landscape continues to evolve, particularly following the abolishment of Bingo Duty, many operators are reassessing how bingo can fit into their future retail strategy. BingoPlus provides a scalable solution that allows venues to capitalise on this opportunity, delivering continuous bingo entertainment from morning through to midnight while operating seamlessly within existing staffing structures.
To see the system in action and discover how BingoPlus could enhance your venue’s entertainment offering, visit the Wexel Gaming team at Stand 29 at the ARE Expo on 28–29 April. wexel.co.uk
Bristol’s big night: A sea of smiles at the new-look Fishponds
If you happened to be near Fishponds Road in Bristol on 31st January, you couldn’t have missed the electricity in the air. Buzz Bingo Bristol officially pulled back the curtain on its longawaited refurbishment, and let’s just say the club is looking absolutely gorgeous.
The grand reopening weekend was a masterclass in how to throw a house party. On Saturday night, the club was packed to the rafters with over 700 guests, a mix of seasoned regulars and curious newcomers, all eager to see the “glow-up” for themselves.
From Pop Idols to Fishbowls
The highlight of the launch? A nostalgic trip down memory lane with Pop Idol legend Gareth Gates. Gareth took to the stage for a live set that had the whole room on its feet, followed by a meet-and-greet that proved he’s still a firm favourite with the bingo crowd.
But the real star of the show might just be the club’s new social heart: ‘The Fishbowl.’ This cleverly named bar - a cheeky nod to the club’s Fishponds location - is part of a fresh, modern layout designed for “dabbing and gabbing.” Paired with the upgraded Players Lounge, the club feels less like a traditional hall and more like the city’s buzziest new social hub.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a celebration without some serious prize money. The weekend saw ten £1,000 houses on Saturday, followed by a massive £10,000 jackpot on Sunday that kept the tension high and the atmosphere bubbling.
General Manager Emma Germain and her team have clearly put in the hard yards behind the scenes. Between the glass of fizz on arrival and the sea of happy faces, it’s clear the Bristol team is rightfully proud of their new surroundings.
It’s always a joy to see a club get a new lease of life. With a bit of sparkle, a touch of celebrity, and a very cool new bar, Buzz Bingo Bristol has officially launched with a big splash!
www.buzzbingo.com
A24-year-old on his first visit to Mecca Bingo Bilston in over four years walked away with £50,000 after hitting a full house inside 16 calls on the National Bingo Game. He almost didn’t shout to claim it, and when his friends told him he’d hit the jackpot, he told them to “get lost”!
“Get lost!” Bilston player bags £50k jackpot
Caller Amy Shermer had a different view from the front. “It was a busy Saturday night and when the jackpot winner message flashed up on my screen I thought, ‘oh my life!’ He looked absolutely stunned. His friends were jumping up and down, but he just couldn’t believe it.”
He needed some fresh air before it sank in. “I don’t think he actually believed it until we told him there was paperwork to fill out,” said Amy, who
Club 3000 Huyton celebrates its first ever £50,000 jackpot winner
A 67-year-old regular at Club 3000 Bingo in Huyton has scooped a life-changing £50,000 on the National Bingo Game, in what turned out to be a landmark evening for the club.
The winner, who has been coming to the venue for more than 20 years and wishes to remain anonymous, described the moment as “completely surreal.” “I’ve never won anything like this before,” she said. “It just shows you really do have to be in it to win it!”
She was introduced to bingo by her mother years ago and has been a familiar face at the club ever since. Her plans for the winnings are already
has worked at the club for 16 years. “It’s the biggest prize I’ve ever announced. An incredible adrenaline rush.”
It was Bilston’s second £50k National Bingo Game win in just six months, with customers taking home more than £1.99 million in prize money across last year alone.
➜ www.meccabingo.com
taking shape… a shopping spree, a special holiday, and the happy task of sharing the news with her partner, three children and nine grandchildren.
The reaction in the room was immediate. “Everyone was congratulating me and the whole club erupted,” she said. “It’s like one big family here.”
For Club Manager Robert Cahill, the win carried extra significance. “We’ve only recently joined the National
Bingo Game, so this is our very first £50,000 jackpot winner,” he said. “The atmosphere on the night was one of the best I’ve ever seen. We’re already looking forward to hosting a party for our lucky winner later this month.”
➜ www.club3000bingo.com
Tee off for Variety at the Bingo Association Golf Day 2026
One of the Bingo Association’s most popular social and fundraising events is back this summer, with the BA Charity Golf Day & Dinner taking place on Thursday 18th June 2026 at the Macdonald Portal Hotel, Golf & Spa in Tarporley, Cheshire.
This year’s event will once again raise vital funds for Variety, the Children’s Charity, while bringing the sector together for a great day of golf, networking and fundraising.
This time the action moves to a brand-new venue, with players taking on the resort’s impressive Championship Course. Entry is £89 per player, which includes tea, coffee and bacon rolls on arrival, 18 holes, the chance to compete
for 12 prizes, and a three-course evening dinner. There is also a dinner-only option for those who want to join the evening social and charity raffle without taking part in the golf.
As always, the day is open to BA members and guests, and organisers are keen to encourage as many people as possible to get involved, including more female golfers. With a full tee sheet expected, early booking is strongly advised.
Anyone interested in entering, or in joining for the evening, should contact Sharon Salmon at sharon@nationalbingo.co.uk.
A glow up in bingo toon
If there’s one thing we know about the North East, it’s that they know how to celebrate and the team at Buzz Bingo Newcastle certainly didn’t miss the memo. The Clifford Street club has just emerged from a major refurbishment, and the result is a vibrant blend of modern style and deep-rooted Geordie pride.
With a massive £26,000 prize pool up for grabs on launch night on 7 March, the house was buzzing from the word go. From the moment you arrive, the club makes its personality known with a Newcastleinspired “Howay In” greeting at the brand-new entrance. It’s a brilliant local touch that captures the spirit of the Byker community. Inside, the transformation is what Deputy GM Alison Blenkinsop calls a total “wow factor.”
The centrepiece of the revamp is the brand-new bar, officially named ‘Charlton’s.’ It’s a tribute to the late football legend Jack Charlton, who originally opened the club back in 2005. Tying it all together is a stunning mural featuring iconic Newcastle landmarks, providing the perfect backdrop to the updated lounge area.
A game changer
General Manager Norman Fletcher is clearly inspired by the new surroundings, calling the environment a “game changer” for both members and the team. Speaking of Norman, the launch even featured a “spot the difference” moment with a life-sized cut-out of the man himself standing proudly by the Winners Wall (though we’re told the real Norman was the one doing most of the hosting!)
With bright booth seating, a “retro-meets-modern” feel, and a team that’s over the moon, Newcastle has reminded us all why the live bingo experience is irreplaceable. It’s the game we love with a serious dose of North East soul.
Cheers to the Newcastle crew—you’ve done the Toon proud!
Club 3000 Bingo invests over £3 million in its flagship club in Coatbridge
Club 3000 Bingo has announced a major investment of more than £3 million to refurbish its popular flagship club in Coatbridge.
The venue first opened its doors in October 2006, featuring the latest bingo technology available at the time. Nearly 20 years later, the club is set for a complete makeover that will introduce the very latest technology and state-of-the-art facilities, transforming the venue into a modern leisure destination and a luxurious bingo experience for customers.
Importantly, the club will remain open and operating as usual throughout the refurbishment. Measures have been put in place to ensure customers can continue to enjoy the Club 3000 Bingo experience while the improvements are underway. The work is planned to be completed by September 2026.
Coatbridge also holds a special place in bingo history. The club was
the site of the record-breaking £1.2 million National Bingo Game jackpot win in 2008 - still the largest jackpot ever won in the game. The refurbishment marks an exciting new chapter for the club, ensuring it continues to deliver a first-class bingo and entertainment experience for years to come.
Brian Fraser owner of Club 3000 Bingo said: “We are incredibly proud to be investing in our flagship Coatbridge club. This venue has always held
a special place in our history, and this refurbishment represents our commitment to its future. We’re excited to bring a fresh, modern experience to our customers while continuing to provide the friendly, welcoming atmosphere they know and love. We can’t wait for everyone to see the transformation when it’s complete.”
Reflex Gaming sharpens its focus on bingo
Reflex Gaming is continuing to build momentum in the bingo sector, with three products set to take centre stage in Manchester later this month.
As operators look for the right balance between strong earning potential, player appeal and a machine mix that works across generations, Reflex is putting forward a line-up that covers all three bases: multiplayer, premium digital, and traditional analogue play.
Leading the charge is Big Game Fishing Arena, a new Cat C multiplayer concept that taps into one of the biggest strengths of the bingo environment — shared play. Built around communal bonus moments and group interaction, it has already shown encouraging early performance, with
strong cashbox returns and positive player feedback. In venues where atmosphere matters, that kind of product can make a real difference.
Also attracting attention is Cyclone Curve, the latest addition to the Cyclone cabinet range. With its sleek, premium design and single-screen format, it feels well matched to the look and layout of many modern bingo clubs. It will be shown with Reflex’s Flaming 500 B3 content, including recent Community additions such as Super Bullion, Big Game Fishing, Gold Knight and 8 Balls of Fire — games designed to create those all-important shared feature moments on the floor.
Completing the trio is Mystical Dragons, a three-player reel-based analogue game that offers something different again. For players who still
enjoy a more traditional, tactile style of play, it provides a social counterpoint to the digital offer and helps round out the wider machine mix.
Taken together, the three products reflect a supplier that understands the range of customers found in bingo today — from players drawn to communal digital experiences, to those who still enjoy the simplicity and familiarity of reels.
Reflex Gaming will be exhibiting at ARE Expo, Manchester, on 28–29 April, where visitors can find the team on Stand 26. For operators heading to the show, it will be a good opportunity to see how Reflex is tailoring its offer for the bingo sector.
www.reflexgaming.com
Three sit-down cabinets linked to a 98-inch screen New screens and peripherals
Full screen presentation of 5 Community bonuses
Available to rent or buy with flexible payment terms
Branded seats with embroidered logo
Seats are height adjustable with swivel functions
Giving back at Club 3000 Hyde Road
An Assistant manager at Club 3000 Bingo Hyde Road in Manchester, Julie Purdy has spent the last couple of years giving up her days off to bring a little bingo magic to residents at The Dell, a local sheltered housing community.
She’s hosted bingo sessions and quizzes, donated prizes and gifts, and even helped organised a special afternoon at the pub, complete with live music from Elvis and Rod Stewart tribute acts. The residents loved every minute of it.
“We’re continuing to help them out in the future as well,” the club confirmed, underlining that this isn’t a one-off gesture but an ongoing commitment to the community.
It’s a fitting reflection of the club’s roots. Hyde Road marks its 30th birthday this year, seven of those as Club 3000 Bingo, and Julie has been there for every single one of them.
The club plans to honour both milestones later this year, celebrating Julie’s extraordinary loyalty alongside the club’s own anniversary.
Community spirit like this is what makes bingo more than just a game.
Political change and the challenges ahead
As the country moves into a busy pre-election period, political pressure in Westminster is intensifying. Elections are scheduled across much of the country for 7 May and electors in Scotland, Wales, London and boroughs spanning the length and breadth of the nation will have a say on how their areas are run. Labour in power in Wales and most of London are looking like they will lose a significant number of representatives, while hopes of dislodging the SNP in Scotland remain distant.
Less than two years into a Labour Government with a significant majority, the party is polling regularly in fourth place. This has fuelled internal criticism of Keir Starmer’s strategy, including calls for a comprehensive change of course and even for his resignation. In the run-up to May, expect to see Labour outriders engaging expectation management to pad the landing for their losses.
We are used to the party of power changing in local government, but new Green and Reform administrations are harder to predict with fewer precedents. With licensing an important role of local government, and changes expected
to the way some authorities run their Licensing Committees, May could bring new challenges and opportunities for those undertaking licensable activities, such as bingo.
However, as the political landscape evolves, there will also be opportunities to ensure the sector’s voice is heard. PLMR and the Bingo Association will continue to engage closely with national and local decision-makers, working together to champion the industry and ensure that the contribution bingo clubs make to local economies and communities is recognised and protected in the months ahead.
Georgia Angela is a Public Affairs Specialist at PLMR and advises the Bingo Association on political and media engagement. She can be contacted via email at bingo@plmr.co.uk
Going…going… gone!
By the time you read this, Bingo Duty will be gone. With the Finance (No. 2) Bill 2026 now due to gain Royal Assent and transform into an act of the same name, all is in place for Bingo Duty to be abolished from 1 April 2026. No more tax on land-based Bingo, and no more Bingo Duty filings. Although this change has taken time to materialise, it offers a welcome boost for the industry when much of the other news is less than positive.
So, what does the abolition of Bingo Duty tell us about the Government’s view of Bingo, and what can we expect in the future?
Bingo’s role in society
Amidst all the public discourse about gambling, including the investigation by the Treasury Select Committee, it is clear that land-based Bingo is considered to occupy a distinctive place in the leisure economy, separate from other areas of the gambling industry receiving so much attention. This follows consistent engagement with MPs, policymakers, and others interested in the industry to explain the role that Bingo has in the UK’s communities. Indeed, the discussion in the Select Committee and during the passage of the Finance Bill has provided opportunities to hear the views of MPs first hand. These include a repeated acknowledgment that “Bingo halls are often a community” and that “evidence shows that it is not the penny slots or the weekly Bingo games that drive the majority of problem gambling.”
A new approach to the taxation of gambling
The abolition of Bingo Duty comes as the Government revises its broader approach to the taxation of gambling. Rather than implementing the previous Government’s plan to consolidate all gambling tax regimes (with the exception of Lottery Duty) into one new tax, this Government has decided to differentiate between the various forms of gambling.
In discussing the gambling clauses in the Committee of the Whole House, the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, Dan Tomlinson MP, noted that Bingo clubs are “about much more than just the numbers”, they are about “community, friendship, and fun”. Whilst he took the opportunity to describe the abolition of the duty as a “full house win”, he went on to explain that Bingo is “a lower risk gambling activity that supports communities across the UK.” The Government has concluded that, at the same time as reforming those areas it considers to be riskier, Bingo Duty should be removed altogether as a way to “support fun, social, in-person gambling” that also serves to “rationalise the tax system”.
➜ Rachel Reeves delivered the Budget announcement we all worked so hard for
A spectrum now exists within gambling: Bingo at one end, where it is not practical to chase losses, through to remote gaming at the other, with remote betting, machine gaming, and land-based betting in between. It should be noted, however, that this is not yet a fully coherent scale, as land-based casinos and the national lottery continue to be taxed under their own distinct arrangements.
It is also worth recognising that the Government chose to abolish the duty altogether, along with the reporting that accompanied it. This, compared to retaining a notional duty at 0%, offers the industry the dual benefit of removing the compliance burden and significantly reducing the likelihood that the duty will be reinstated.
Where next: the remaining tax regime
Despite this historic milestone, Bingo Clubs continue to face a highly challenging economic environment. Bingo Duty is not the only tax borne by Bingo Clubs. As with all employers, the industry pays employers’ National Insurance contributions as well as corporation tax on its profits. On a positive note, the game of Bingo is exempt from Value Added Tax (“VAT”), meaning that any value added by the business is not taxed but remains within the operator. This prevents Clubs from reclaiming VAT they incur (except for that which relates to other VATable sales, such as food and beverages) and “irrecoverable VAT” may feature extensively in the cost line of the profit and loss account. However, on balance this situation (i.e., not charging VAT to customers but also not recovering VAT on purchases) is a generally preferable outcome if the business is profitable and selling directly to consumers.
So, with neither VAT nor a sector-specific tax, the (land-based) game of Bingo is now in a notably privileged position. While the industry would undoubtedly appreciate further support to help fund the VAT incurred on capital investment, the Government is likely to argue that the £22bn per annum absolute saving generated by the abolition of Bingo Duty should be enough to encourage investment in the near term.
Of course, Bingo Clubs offer more than Bingo, with other activities including machines, food and beverages all contributing to the financial performance of the club. Despite speculation, Machine Games Duty was not raised at the Budget, much to the relief of many in the industry given that machines provide a substantial contribution to clubs’ Gross Gaming Yield. Nevertheless, there remains the concern that future changes targeting machines in locations that do not have the same protections and support offered by Bingo Clubs could still materialise.
The other big tax remaining is Business Rates and, together with the 0.2% Statutory Gambling Levy, these costs come straight off the bottom line. With Business Rates a subject of much policy discussion, this is an area to consider further.
Beyond taxation: difficult trading conditions
While abolition is a welcome boost for the industry, it arrives in a challenging operating environment, as Clubs contend
with the rises in employers’ National Insurance contributions and the National Minimum Wage introduced earlier this parliament.
Broader economic conditions will still shape customer activity and the frequency of visits. Recent official forecasts have pointed to soft growth and persistent uncertainty, with March’s Spring Forecast from the Office for Budget Responsibility downgrading expected UK GDP growth for 2026 from 1.4% to 1.1%. And this is even without taking into account the possible effect of the recent events in the Middle East, including elevated energy prices and the subsequent impact on inflation.
“Bingo clubs are about much more than just the numbers, they are about community, friendship, and fun.”
So, what now?
The Government will be looking to the industry, buoyed with the abolition of Bingo Duty, to invest and reinvigorate its operations. This change could be regarded as Government “investing” £22b per annum in the industry, and it is likely to consider there to be not only an opportunity but an obligation on the industry to respond. A number of operators have committed to open new clubs and refurbish others, and it is hoped that this enthusiasm will be echoed across the industry.
The removal of Bingo Duty has provided clubs with a real shot in the arm, and many – including the Government – are now waiting to see how the industry recovers, rebuilds and resurges. Here’s to duty-free!
Chris Sanger is Tax Policy Leader, and Patricia Gomez Robles is Senior Manager Tax Policy at EY.
The EY tax policy network has advisers in more than 85 countries and advises clients on how to effect policy change directly and through strategically engaging policy makers. www.ey.com
Expert insights: Employment update from Taylor Walton
Are you ready for the Employment Rights Act 2025
The Employment Rights Bill received Royal Assent in December 2025, becoming the Employment Rights Act 2025 (the Act). The Act introduces wide-ranging reforms which are set to significantly reshape the employment law landscape. This article sets out the key highlights, as well as what your business should be aware of, over the coming year. There is a lot to consider and still more regulations to come.
Unfair Dismissal
Employees are currently required to complete 2 years’ service before gaining the right not to be unfairly dismissed. After a lot of parliamentary debate and ping ponging between the House of Commons and Houde of Lords, from 1 January 2027 the qualifying period will be reduced to 6 months before an employee can make a claim for unfair dismissal. Therefore, an employee commencing their employment on 1 July 2026 will be able to claim unfair dismissal from 1 January 2027. This marks a major change and means that the first 4 to 5 months of an employee’s employment will in effect be a trial period for the employer to determine whether they wish to retain the employment of a new starter. If there are any concerns that the employee is unsuitable for their role, a decision will need to be taken as to whether the employee have 6 months’ service and be in a position to claim unfair dismissal. It is important to note that the employer will need to take into account that the employee is entitled to 1 week’s statutory notice therefore the qualifying period is actually 5 months and 3 weeks.
Moreover, if after the first 6 months the employer wishes to terminate the new starter’s employment the employer will be required to follow a fair disciplinary procedure. Therefore,
it will be important for the employer to have evidence of poor performance or conduct during the first six months of the employment.
Employers should now be reviewing their probationary policies with a view of reducing the probation period to say 3 months to assess a new starter’s performance.
Removal of Unfair Dismissal Compensation Cap
The next big change is the removal of the unfair dismissal compensation cap. At present, compensation for unfair dismissal is capped at the lower of 52 weeks’ gross pay or the statutory maximum £118,223. However, under the Act, the statutory cap will be abolished. Currently, employers know that there is a maximum limit of the level of compensation which can be factored in when negotiating a settlement and very high earners are deterred from bring claims in the Employment Tribunal due to the cap. With the abolition of the cap which is expected from 1 January 2027, employers face the prospect of very high – value unfair dismissal claims which could take into account for example, share options and bonuses as well as career- long losses.
Sexual Harassment
From April 2026, sexual harassment will become a “qualifying disclosure”
under whistleblowing law, giving workers who report it protection from detriment and unfair dismissal.
Furthermore, from October 2026, the current duty on employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment will be extended to take all reasonable steps. What is the difference?
An employer will have taken “all” reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of employees where:
• it takes the steps specified in the regulations; and
• all other steps that it is reasonable to take in the circumstances
Employers will need assess the risk their employees face of sexual harassment in the workplace taking into account third party harassment (see below). They should have in place anti sexual harassment policies and procedures and clear reporting lines for complaints.
Third Party Harassment
The Act also reintroduces from 1 October 2026 an obligation on employers to prevent harassment of employees by third parties for example, customers of the employer. The harassment is not just confined to sexual harassment, but includes all protected characteristics for example: race, sex orientation and age. This extension is particularly relevant to the hospitality sector where employees are customer facing. Therefore, bingo employees who are harassed on the grounds of their sex by a customer will be in a position to bring claims against their employer. Therefore, it is important that employers put measures in place which seek to protect their employees from unwanted conduct from customers. Employers will be legally required to take all reasonable steps to prevent the third party from harassing the employee in the course of their employment.
Settlement Agreements
Employers making provisions within settlement agreements which prevent their employees from reporting workplace harassment or
discrimination will be void and unenforceable. This measure is expected to come into force from October 2027 but will not be retrospective. Employers should update their whistleblowing and harassment policies and train staff on the requirements.
Statutory Sick Pay Reform (SSP)
From April 2026, employees will be entitled to SSP from their first day of absence. In addition, employees are no longer required to meet a minimum income level to qualify for SSP.
Whilst many employers will already provide for enhanced company sick pay schemes, all employers should consider reviewing policies on sickness absence. Employers may also want to consider reviewing their approach to absence management to ensure that levels of short-term absences do not rise.
Paternity and Parental Leave
From April 2026, workers will be entitled to paternity and parental leave from day one of employment. Employers should update policies to incorporate these new entitlements. Line managers should receive training on the new entitlements to ensure that requests are handled consistently and in compliance with the new rules.
Collective Redundancy
From April 2026 the maximum penalty for failing to consult increases from 90 to 180 days’ pay per employee and guidance for collective redundancy consultation will be issued. During 2027 (precise date
currently not known) a new trigger will require employers to count proposed redundancies across the entire business (not just one site) to meet the threshold for collective consultation. This change will make it much easier to trigger collective consultation, particularly for multilocation employers. Employers will need to keep careful records of redundancies across the business to avoid inadvertently failing to comply with their obligations.
Fire & Rehire
Significant limits on an employer’s ability to change employment terms will be introduced in January 2027. A dismissal will be automatically unfair if the reason is the employee does not agree to vary terms certain matters including pay, working hours, pension, shift time and length and time off. Employers who plan on making contractual changes may want to start this process soon, ahead of the new legal requirements coming into force.
Zero Hour Contracts
Employers will be required to offer “guaranteed-hours contracts” after a specified reference period, based on the actual hours worked during that time. Employers will be obliged to give reasonable notice if shifts are cancelled or changed. These measures are expected to take effect in 2027. Employers who rely on a casual workforce should consider an audit to highlight how these changes may affect the business, and how they can be managed cost effectively.
Summary
Employers have much to consider but there is still time to prepare for the changes. Taking proactive steps now will mean that employers can navigate the changes coming in 2026 and 2027 smoothly.
New licence condition relating to gaming machines
In January 2025 the Gambling Commission published their consultation on proposed changes to the Gaming Machine Technical Standards, Gaming Machine Testing Strategy and Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice. The proposed changes being significant and potentially costly for the bingo industry, for instance, if the Commission apply some of those new standards to existing machines. One of the proposals by the Commission was to introduce a Licence Condition, so that licensees must not make specified gaming machines available for use in reliance under licence if the Commission has notified the licensee in writing that the manufacturer, supplier, installation, adaptation, maintenance or repair of the machine:
• Was not carried on in reliance on the Gaming Machine Technical Operating Licence, or
• Did not comply with the Commission’s Gaming Machine Technical Standard
This will apply to all non remote casino, bingo, betting, Adult Gaming Centre and Family Entertainment Centre licences.
Recently, on the 19th January 2026 the Commission announced that the condition would be imposed on licences, the amendment will come into force on 29th July 2026.
But why the new condition and what does it mean for bingo operators?
The Commission explained that the new licence condition is to simplify their compliance and enforcement process and enable the Commission to ensure that non compliant machines are removed from the market. They go on to say that they expect licensees to react appropriately once they are made aware, by written notification from the Commission, that in the Commission’s view, they are in breach and they must remove the relevant gaming machines from use.
Enforcement and financial penalties
The Commission have stressed that failure to act in accordance with the notification would be a breach of a licence condition and the Commission point to a range of enforcement actions including a financial penalty being imposed, either following a licence review under section 116 of the Gambling Act or without review having taken place. Remembering that the Commission can impose financial penalties, and have done so, under section 121 if
the Commission think that the condition of the licence has been breached.
We can assume that any consideration for the level of financial penalty, will include the period of time the non compliant machine was made available to the public and the gross gambling yield from that machine during that period.
In the response to the consultation, announcing the new condition, the Commission point out that all licensees will have the ability to comply with the new licence condition by removing a specified machine or machines, on receipt of written notification from the Commission. Where licensees react positively, by removing the specified machines, there will be no breach of the licence condition. The Commission go on to remind licensees that the need for enforcement action is determined on a case by case basis, dependant on all the facts and evidence available to them. They may consider a licence review is still appropriate because they suspect a licensee may be unsuitable to carry on licensed activities, if for example, they had failed to take reasonable steps to ensure that the specified machines were made available for use lawfully and/or the licensee had a history of non compliance. So, the Commission may have wider concerns about the compliance of a licensee, because a non compliant machine was made available for use.
How the notification process will work
As to the meaning of the condition a ‘specified gaming machine’ is described by the Gambling Commission as one which will be identified clearly within the written notification. Information could include for example, the machine name, machine manufacturer, machine category
and premises location. The Commission say written notifications will be sent via the primary contact details that licensees are required to maintain and that will clearly outline why they consider a machine to be non compliant, the actions required and the timelines for completion.
Machine or game
removal?
The Commission do clarify that a game on a gaming machine does not necessarily mean that the gaming machine cabinet has to be removed. They say that if there is a game that is non compliant, within a game compendium on a gaming machine cabinet, the Commission may determine that the game can be removed rather than the gaming machine. The Commission say their written notification would make their expectations clear on what action is required.
The legal background
The background to this consultation is found at section 86 of the Gambling Act 2005. It states an operating licence may not include a condition about the number of categories of gaming machines that may be made available for use in accordance with the licence, but it does state that the operating licence may be subject to a condition that a specified gaming machine may not be made available for us in reliance on the licence if the Commission has notified the licensee in writing that the manufacturer, supplier, installation, adaptation, maintenance or repair of the machine was not carried out in reliance on a Gaming Machine Technical Operating Licence or did not comply with the standards.
So, the ability to impose such a condition was considered by Parliament and included in the Act, and the Gambling Commission have decided now to rely upon that provision. The Commission have not previously used the power to impose such a condition. Until now they explain that they would seek a resolution through engagement or, where circumstances are appropriate, for example if a licensee refused to remove a non compliant gaming machine, they would consider a licence review because they suspect the licensee may be unsuitable to carry on the licensed activities.
Why this matters now
The Commission say that the proposed changes to the Gaming Machine Technical Standards (GMTS) could result in gaming machines which are non compliant with the GMTS being available for use in the market, most likely when the gaming machine is owned by a licensee/or not under any form of service contract with the holder of a Gaming
Machine Technical Operating Licence. So, where the bingo operator owns the machines themselves. The Commission’s introduction of the new GMTS (when they do) has led them to believe that the new condition is necessary.
The Commission do acknowledge that they do not expect that those that make gaming machines available for use, so the bingo clubs, to always be aware that the gaming machine does not apply with the GMTS. But they say they would expect the licensee to react appropriately once they are made aware, under this notification procedure.
The Commission believe that introducing a general licence condition would simplify their compliance and enforcement processes and ensure their requirements are met more effectively. What this certainly does do is prevent any ‘to and fro’ between a licensee and the Gambling Commission debating whether or not a gaming machine is compliant or not, and during that time the machine remaining available to the public in the venue. This condition makes it clear that if the Commission believes the machine is not compliant, and they notify the licensee in writing, then the licensee must make them take the machine off the floor or be in breach. The debate or the ‘to and fro’ with the Commission about whether machine is complaint or not can then follow but the Commission would say that the customer is protected from that machine, no longer being available, whilst that debate takes place.
What It means for operators
The condition is of particular relevance to those who have larger numbers of gaming machines they own, and particularly where they maintain and repair their own machines, which they might do by way of a linked licence. The linked licence which allows licensees to supply, install, adapt, maintain or repair gaming machines on their own premises. These tend to be held by smaller operators due to the financial limits of the linked licence, as costs cannot exceed £50,000 per annum in pursuit of the activities authorised by the linked licence, so the purchase of new machine parts, paying for new systems and software, along with the labour costs.
And of course, the extent to which the condition is relied upon by the Commission will depend on the final Gaming Machine Technical Standards, which we have not yet seen from the Commission. The more substantial the changes in the Gaming Machine Technical Standards the more likely the Commission are to rely on this new condition requiring the removal of gaming machines.
This article has been prepared by Tom Grant, working with Nick Arron. Tom was recently appointed as a Consultant at Poppleston Allen. With over 20 years’ experience in the gaming sector, Tom advises his clients on a wide range of contractual matters including Terms and Conditions, Game Development Agreements, Content Licensing, Sports Data Rights and Platform Agreements. Tom can be contacted on t.grant@popall.co.uk
The National Bingo Game at 40:
BIG wins, BIG memories!
From the earliest big cheque presentations to today’s life-changing jackpots, The National Bingo Game has been making headlines for four decades. In this issue, we look back at some of the faces, clubs and unforgettable moments that have helped shape one of bingo’s biggest success stories… proving that while the prizes may have changed over the years, the excitement of a National Game win never fades.
If you have bingo images that you would like to donate to and/or share with Sean, please contact him via Facebook @old.bingo.photographs or email: seanconnolly431@hotmail.com
Bingo has a long history in the UK where it has always been about people, community and fun. Since it became popular here in the 1950s and 60s, operators, the media and private individuals have been there to record events and occasions, capturing unique moments, people and places that have played their part in bingo’s rich history. Since 2015 Sean Connolly – known by many in the bingo sector – began sharing all his old bingo photos on Facebook ‘Bingo Photos Old and New’ and has posted over 7,000 images of people and clubs which has enabled a great many colleagues to reconnect.
£1.1 Million National Bingo Game Jackpot winner at Club 3000 Bingo Coatbridge back in 2008.
A 1987 National Bingo Game win at Zetters in Dawley. Here’s the winner, Ailsa Speke, being presented with her cheque by the club manager Molly Yorke.
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Karen Gilligan & Robert Cahill presenting a £100,000 cheque to a National Bingo Game winner at The Buckingham in Hunts Cross, 2003. ➜
Coral Social Club Aberdeen in 1991. Aberdeen FC Captain, Alex McLeish presenting Jean Pirie with the National Bingo jackpot winning cheque, alongside the bingo club’s manager, David Ryley. ➜
Here is a National Bingo Game Jackpot from 1987 - won at Butlins Holiday Camp at Pwllheli. The holiday park’s Redcoats are posing with the cheque.
A Festive National Game cheque presentation at Walkers in Wigan in 1987. Image courtesy of Karen Appleyard whose dad, Tony is making the presentation.
Here is a 1990 breakdown of how 4 years of National Bingo Game wins were broken down by operator.
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Robin Pritchard launching the National Bingo Game at his Starlight Bingo Club in Letchworth, 1986. Image courtesy of Jim Dunne.
An Ian Cross image from Top Rank Stoke, circa 1989. Eric Bristow and Maureen Flowers presenting a National Bingo Game cheque to Annie Barlow.
Top Rank Bedminster from 1986. Liz Dawn presents a lucky National Bingo Game Jackpot winner with their winner’s cheque. Assistant Manager Linda Dunn on the left.
