UKGC tightens gambling enforcement measures

Cooperation with Bingo Industry and Better Data

The UK Gambling Commission is tightening rules but still working with the bingo industry. It says cooperation helps improve data and makes regulation more accurate.

Sarah Gardner, acting chief executive, said working with operators has already improved gambling statistics. She added that the regulator will still cooperate with companies that follow the rules, but act more strongly where needed.

The Commission and Bingo Association also improved how bingo data is collected. This made official figures closer to real industry numbers.

Bingo Numbers and Revenue Results

New figures show how bingo performed in 2024 and 2024/25. The data gives a clearer view of how people play and where money comes from.

• 3.3% of adults played bingo in 2024

• 1.2% played in physical bingo clubs

• £816 million total bingo revenue in 2024/25

• £650 million from land-based venues

• £166 million from online bingo

Stricter Rules for Gaming Machines

The Commission is making rules tougher for gaming machines in venues. From 29 July 2026, operators must remove machines quickly if they fail technical rules or have no valid licence. This rule is designed to make enforcement faster and clearer. It means bad or non-compliant machines cannot stay in venues for long.

More Funding to Fight Illegal Gambling

The UKGC will get £26 million over three years to fight illegal gambling. The focus is mainly on land-based illegal operators. This money will help increase inspections and improve cooperation with police. It will also support action against unlicensed gambling sites and venues.

The Commission says it will keep working with legal operators. At the same time, it will act faster against rule breakers. More updates are expected after government decisions on gambling reforms. The main goal is safer gambling and stronger control across the UK market.