The UK Gambling Commission has set a 29 July 2026 deadline for non-remote operators to remove non-compliant gaming machines from use and confirmed £26 million in new government funding for illegal gambling enforcement, acting chief executive Sarah Gardner told the Bingo Association AGM on 7 May.
Gaming Machines Compliance Deadline
The July requirement builds on an existing obligation for gaming machines available to consumers to be technically compliant. From 29 July, operators must also immediately remove machines if the Commission notifies them that manufacture, supply, installation, adaptation, maintenance, or repair was not carried out under a gaming machine technical operating licence. The same obligation applies where machines do not meet gaming machine technical standards.
Gardner said the change is designed to streamline processes and ensure non-compliant machines are removed promptly. The full response to the Commission’s Gaming Machines consultation is expected before the end of summer 2026, with the first change announced at the end of January following an earlier pre-consultation phase in which the Bingo Association participated. The UKGC has <a href=”https://theigaming.eu/2025/10/07/uk-gambling-commission-introduces-new-deposit-limit-rules-to-strengthen-consumer-protection/”>introduced a series of consumer protection measures in recent months as it works through its reform agenda.
£26 Million Enforcement Funding
The government funding covers three years and will allow the Commission to invest in addressing land-based illegal gambling at scale, an area Gardner described as having been constrained by resource limitations until now.
“For too long we have been held back by our resources. Going forwards we think this new funding gives us the chance to do more in this space,” Gardner said.
The Commission acknowledged that enforcement in this area requires co-operation with the police and other agencies. The investment marks a shift from a posture that has historically concentrated resources on online and remote sectors. <a href=”https://theigaming.eu/2025/11/21/ukgc-issues-18m-in-penalties-for-gambling-violations-during-2025/”>The UKGC issued £18 million in penalties during 2025, primarily targeting online operators for social responsibility and AML failures.
Bingo Sector GGY Data
Gardner cited figures from the Commission’s Industry Statistics for 2024/25. Total bingo gross gambling yield reached £816 million, representing approximately 5% of the industry-wide GGY of £16.8 billion. Non-remote bingo contributed £650 million and remote bingo £166 million. Within non-remote bingo, gaming machines accounted for two thirds of GGY, with bingo games generating the remaining 35%.
The split underlines the degree to which gaming machines are the primary revenue driver in physical bingo venues, a dynamic that gives the gaming machines consultation direct commercial significance for bingo operators. <a href=”https://theigaming.eu/2026/02/09/great-britain-online-gambling-revenue-falls-2-to-1-5bn-in-q4-2025/”>Great Britain’s online gambling revenue fell 2% in Q4 2025, reflecting the mixed conditions across sectors.
Survey Methodology Update
Gardner addressed a data discrepancy that had emerged between the Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB) and Bingo Association participation estimates. Working with the Association, the Commission developed a new survey question examining where specifically people play bingo. Across the three most recent quarters, the GSGB recorded 1.2% of adults playing bingo in traditional bingo clubs, closely aligned with the Bingo Association’s own estimate of 1% derived from admissions data. The broader GSGB participation figure of 3.3% captures bingo played across all formats and venues, including holiday parks and high street premises.
The new survey question will be retained in future GSGB waves. Gardner framed the collaboration as evidence that working directly with industry produces more accurate data than a confrontational approach.
“Working together, rather than retreating to the entrenchments, means we can build a shared understanding instead of creating mistrust,” Gardner said.
Leadership and Year Ahead
Gardner marked the departure of Miles Baron as Bingo Association chief executive, crediting his work during the pandemic period and his sustained commitment to collaborative engagement with the regulator across his tenure. Nicole, whose surname was not provided in the speech, will take over as incoming chief executive.
The Commission’s Business Plan, published last month, identifies four priorities for the year: implementing the Gambling Act Review, improving data maturity and the evidence base, compliance engagement with operators, and illegal gambling enforcement. Further detail on year-ahead plans is contingent on government confirming fee levels for the Commission following a recent consultation.
Source: UK Gambling Commission
