The UK government has confirmed the removal of Bingo Duty from April 2026, a move announced in Budget 2025 and publicly marked during a visit by the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury to a south London bingo club. The decision arrives alongside a leadership transition at the Bingo Association, with a new chief executive appointed to take office in the spring.
During a visit to Buzz Bingo Tooting, Tax Minister Dan Tomlinson met representatives from the Bingo Association to discuss the impact of the policy change on the sector. The venue holds a long-standing place in British entertainment history, having previously hosted major music acts including the Beatles, Frank Sinatra, and the Rolling Stones. The visit aimed to underline government support for bingo halls as community venues following the tax announcement.
Tomlinson described the policy decision as a clear benefit for both operators and local communities. He said, “This is a ‘full house win’ for bingo halls and the communities who rely on them. Bingo halls are about much more than just the numbers – they’re about community, friendship, and fun. Scrapping this tax recognises the important role these venues play.”
Budget decision signals shift for bingo halls
Bingo Duty currently applies a 10% charge on profits generated by bingo clubs. From April 2026, that levy will no longer apply, easing financial pressure on a sector that employs around 7,000 people across the UK. The government has stated that the change will help clubs maintain their presence on high streets and continue operating as accessible social spaces.
Bingo has remained a feature of British leisure life since the 1960s, when commercial bingo gained legal status and purpose-built halls began appearing nationwide. Over time, these venues developed into regular meeting points for local residents, particularly in town centres. The government has framed the removal of the duty as a way to protect that role amid rising operating costs.
Paul Swindon, Head of Governance and Compliance for the Bingo Association, attended the visit and welcomed the change. He said, “This visit by the Exchequer Secretary is a clear demonstration of the Government’s recognition of the important role bingo clubs play in communities across the country. The decision to abolish Bingo Duty was a transformative moment for our sector and a powerful vote of confidence in the unique community value we provide.”
New leadership named for Bingo Association
The policy development coincides with a planned change in leadership at the Bingo Association, the National Bingo Game Association, and Meeron. The organisations have confirmed that Nicole Garrett will become their new Chief Executive Officer, following the decision of current CEO Miles Baron to step down at the end of June.
Garrett will join in spring 2026 after leaving the Allwyn Group, which operates the UK National Lottery alongside international entertainment businesses. She currently serves as Group Head of Responsible Gaming, overseeing safer play initiatives across multiple markets. Her previous roles include Head of Corporate Affairs at bet365 and Head of Policy at the Betting and Gaming Council.
Garrett announced she looks forward to joining the sector at a time of change. She said, “I am thrilled to be joining the Bingo Association (BA), the National Bingo Game Association (NBGA) and Meeron at such an important time for the bingo industry. Bingo plays a unique and valued role within local communities, and I am very much looking forward to working closely with members and stakeholders to support the sector and help shape its future.”
With the tax change set to take effect next year and a new chief executive preparing to take office, the bingo sector enters 2026 facing a markedly different operating environment shaped by policy support and leadership transition.
Sources:
Tax Minister and Bingo Association hail ‘transformative’ scrapping of Bingo Duty, bingoconnect.co.uk, 9th January 2026.
Nicole Garrett appointed CEO of the Bingo Association, bingoconnect.co.uk, 9th January 2026.
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