In a strong signal of its commitment to evidence-based regulation, the UK Gambling Commission is expanding the scope of its Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB) to include detailed insights on bingo participation. The announcement came during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Bingo Association, held on May 1, 2025, where Tim Miller, Executive Director of the Gambling Commission, addressed the industry's future.
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The GSGB, which expects to gather responses from over 20,000 participants this year, will now feature newly added bingo-specific questions. These additions are the result of close collaboration between the Commission and the Bingo Association, aiming to better understand the public’s engagement with bingo and the wider gambling landscape.
Miller emphasized the importance of this data in guiding regulatory actions and policy development. “To make the best decisions, we must have the best evidence,” he stated. The move is seen as a proactive step toward tailoring regulations more accurately to actual consumer behavior within the bingo sector.
In addition, Miller extended the deadline for the current technical consultation on gambling machines until June 3, 2025, encouraging operators to submit solid, evidence-based feedback.
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A major point of concern raised during the meeting was the rise of illegal bingo operations. Miller urged licensed operators to report unlicensed activity, assuring that shared information would be handled confidentially and could lead to enforcement measures. As the bingo industry in the UK continues to evolve, the strengthened role of the GSGB reflects a regulatory shift toward deeper analytics and industry cooperation. This development may ultimately enhance consumer protection while preserving the cultural and recreational value of bingo in British society.
