At the Bingo Association’s Annual General Meeting held on May 1, 2025, Tim Miller, Executive Director of the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), delivered a pointed and wide-ranging speech calling for higher standards, stronger collaboration, and a renewed commitment to player protection within the UK bingo sector.
Miller began by praising the Bingo Association for its consistent and practical cooperation with the Commission. He acknowledged the value of the constructive relationship that has emerged in recent years, particularly as regulatory reforms under the Gambling Act Review continue to roll out. Miller emphasized that early compliance and mutual engagement are key to shaping a safer, fairer gambling environment.
Encouraging Constructive Engagement Amid Reform
Miller noted that while not all parts of the gambling industry have responded positively to new initiatives such as GamProtect or financial risk pilots, the Bingo Association has stood out for its practical, evidence-based engagement. In contrast to operators who have resisted change or avoided participating, the bingo sector has demonstrated a willingness to contribute meaningful input and collaborate on new measures.
“We want a collaborative relationship with the gambling industry, based on supporting compliance at the earliest opportunity,” Miller stated, reaffirming the Commission’s preference for working alongside industry stakeholders over relying solely on formal enforcement powers.
Focus on Gaming Machines and Consultation Extension
One of the key updates shared during the AGM was the ongoing public consultation on gaming machine technical standards and testing strategies. Recognizing stakeholder feedback, the UKGC recently extended the deadline for consultation responses by two weeks, pushing the final date from May 20 to June 3, 2025.
Miller stressed the importance of gathering robust evidence to evaluate the regulatory impact and costs of proposed changes. He reiterated that while the Commission is open to alternatives, any suggestions must align with the policy’s core goals—protecting consumers and enhancing safety.
“We remain keen to hear workable alternatives to our proposals. But we also need to be clear. The starting point for alternatives should aim to achieve the same policy objectives,” he said.
Data, Evidence, and the Gambling Survey for Great Britain
Another focal point of Miller’s address was the development of the Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB), which he described as the largest of its kind in the world, with around 20,000 responses expected this year. He credited the Bingo Association with helping to shape new survey questions that will offer improved insights into bingo participation.
Although concerns about the GSGB have been voiced by some in the industry, Miller emphasized that the Bingo Association had offered feedback in a constructive and forward-thinking manner. He stated that the Commission had already started collecting new data based on these inputs and plans to publish results later in the year.
Combatting Illegal Bingo and the Need for Evidence
Miller also addressed growing concerns around illegal bingo operations, acknowledging reports from the Bingo Association that unlicensed games are on the rise and often fall outside legal exemptions. However, he noted a mismatch between the level of concern and the volume of evidence submitted to the Commission.
“Where we have sufficient evidence of this, we will always look to take action,” Miller said, urging members to submit confidential intelligence using the UKGC’s “Tell us something in confidence” reporting tool. He emphasized that enforcement is difficult without tangible proof, especially for land-based operations.
Leadership, Transparency, and Rebuilding Trust
In his closing remarks, Miller challenged the bingo sector to move beyond its reputation as a “safe” form of gambling and instead lead by example. He warned against complacency, urging operators to take new safeguards seriously, particularly around affordability checks and customer interaction.
“There is no such thing as a ‘safe sector’ in gambling. We cannot afford to view bingo through rose-tinted glasses,” he said, adding that “the changes we are implementing are not optional.”
Miller emphasized that leadership at the board and executive level must drive cultural change and champion consumer protection. He concluded by calling on the industry to maintain its collaborative momentum and help rebuild public trust in gambling.
Source:
Bingo Association AGM - Tim Miller speech, gamblingcommission.gov.uk, May 2, 2025
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