A closer look at the Bingo Association

The majority of bingo players probably haven’t even heard of the Bingo Association (BA) but it is in fact a leading body in the industry, which works behind the scenes to represent it positively and ensure the successful performance and operations of the sector as a whole. 

The Bingo Association formed back in 1998 as a merger of two previous bodies – the British Bingo Operators’ Association and the Bingo Association of Great Britain. The ‘soft’ nature of the game has meant that the industry needs a separate representative body than other gambling methods and hence this specific company was developed.

The BA work tirelessly to ensure they represent the industry and they work with a range of individuals including the operators of clubs, government officials, policy makers, regulators, compliance auditors, problem gambling charities and organisation representatives, media spokespeople and other related tradespeople. The wide range of people they work with means they are able to ensure the needs of the industry are promoted across all fields.

They also serve to provide an industry forum for professionals within the business, to discuss important issues and air views. They are central to the shaping of the sector agenda and are able to actively get involved with regulatory and business related issues, which apply specifically to bingo, both online and in land-based clubs. They also endeavour to ensure the game and the industry is represented positively in the media and avoids any negative press where possible.

Experienced Council Members

The Bingo Association recruits its executive council members from experienced brands across the sector, with representatives of Mecca, Castle Leisure and Carlton Leisure featuring amongst their councillors. What’s more, October 2012 saw the appointment of a new Chief Executive, Miles Baron.

Baron had worked with Mecca for 29 years before taking on the role at the Association and worked at both senior management and operational levels within the company, giving him a breadth of experience that not many could compete with. Previous to Baron’s appointment it was led by Chief Executive Paul Talboys from 2000, but his decision to resign was raised and accepted in October.

The recruitment of a new Chief Executive may spell exciting times for the Association as they move into testy times with government’s new tax rates on the industry being discussed as recently as July 2012 by Association members.

The Bingo Association and the wider gambling community

In July, the Bingo Association produced a press release stating their agreement with findings by the Culture Media and Sports Select Committee which stated that taxation on bingo should be kept in line with that on other forms of gambling. Other forms of gambling in the UK are taxed at 15% whilst bingo is taxed at 20% and research carried out by the government’s Select Committee did recommend that it be brought down in line with others in the industry. Former Chief Executive Paul Talboys spoke positively at the time at their optimism that the Committee agreed with their thoughts.

Whether or not any change will be implemented is yet to be decided and with a new Chief Executive maybe the group have got the chance to make significant moves forward, towards changing government policy and pressing for the necessary changes to the Gambling Act 2005, to ensure bingo is treated equally to other methods of gambling.

The Benefits of the Association

The Association exists to benefit the industry as a whole and keep its image positive and well represented in the media. Their presence allows for the industry to remain reputable and gives it a voice in important governmental matters, as well as ensuring social responsibility is upheld by all its members.

They can provide advice and support for new entrants into the industry and ensure those already involved are operating fairly, provided they’re members of course. Currently there are 51 companies registered as members of the Association which includes large branded operators and smaller single sites too. Membership is open to all organisations involved and/or interested in licensed bingo operations in the UK. The Executive Council consider all applications on an individual basis.

As a player it’s always beneficial to know you’re involved with a well regulated and represented industry, rather than those which are a little less black and white.