source: UKGC At the recent Annual General Meeting of the Bingo Association on May 1st, Tim Miller, Executive Director at the Gambling Commission, delivered a candid and challenging speech urging the UK bingo sector to step up its efforts in promoting safer gambling and preparing for regulatory reform.
Speaking directly to industry leaders, Miller acknowledged the important place bingo holds in the UK’s gambling landscape. Often viewed as a more sociable and less risky form of gambling, bingo has historically enjoyed a relatively benign public image. However, Miller warned that this perception should not lead to complacency.
“There is no such thing as a ‘safe sector’ in gambling,” Miller stated. “We cannot afford to view bingo through rose-tinted glasses. The responsibility to protect consumers applies equally across the board.”
Regulatory Reform and the White Paper
The address came at a critical time for the industry, as the Gambling Commission continues its work implementing the reforms outlined in the Gambling Act Review white paper. These reforms, aimed at modernising gambling regulation for the digital age, will introduce tougher safeguards for all sectors—including bingo.
Miller emphasised that bingo operators must be proactive in understanding and applying new requirements, particularly around affordability checks, customer interaction, and transparency. He warned that those failing to take these changes seriously could face consequences.
“The changes we are implementing are not optional,” he said. “They are a response to legitimate concerns about consumer harm—and bingo must play its part.”
He also noted that the Commission is currently consulting on several elements of the white paper, including financial risk checks and marketing restrictions. He encouraged operators to engage constructively with the process to help shape a workable and fair regulatory framework.
Leadership and Culture
A key theme of the speech was leadership. Miller stressed that positive change must be driven from the top, and that boards and senior management teams should set the tone for responsible practices throughout their organisations.
“Leadership matters,” he said. “If you occupy a senior role in a gambling business, you have a duty to champion consumer protection—not just compliance.”
Miller also pushed for greater industry collaboration, urging bingo operators to work together and with regulators to share best practices and innovate in harm reduction. While enforcement remains a core function of the Commission, he noted that sustainable progress requires a shared commitment to doing better.
Rebuilding Public Trust
The Commission’s call to action comes amid a broader push to rebuild public trust in the gambling sector. Recent years have seen growing concern from policymakers and the public over gambling-related harm, with high-profile cases of addiction, financial ruin, and even suicides linked to poor industry practices.
Though bingo has not been at the centre of these scandals, Miller made it clear that the sector is not immune from scrutiny—and must not view itself as exempt from the need for reform.
“The future of this sector depends not on nostalgia, but on leadership, accountability, and a genuine commitment to protecting players,” he concluded.
Ben has been an massive bingo enthusiast and fan since playing at the seaside as a kid. Dedicated to bringing you the latest and best bingo news from the UK
