UK Gambling Laws and Bingo

Is bingo really gambling, or is it just a bit of fun?

Despite being informally referred to as the “softer side” of gambling, UK laws consider bingo to be a valid form of gambling, and it is therefore regulated by The Gambling Act of 2005, which came into effect in September 2007, replacing The Gaming Act of 1968.

Who regulates it?

As part of the broader gambling industry, it is sponsored by the government. Looking at a snapshot of the government’s National Archives website when the 1968 Act was still in force, “cash bingo is primarily a commercial activity and is [therefore] regulated.” By law, games can only take place on registered and licensed premises, and participating players must be on the premises when the gaming takes place. As you can imagine, this regulation is not aimed at online bingo brands more at the high street operations.

The Gambling Commission was created as part of the 2005 Act in order to regulate UK commercial gambling. They are an independent, non-departmental public body who are sponsored by the DCMS (Department for Culture, Media & Sport.) The Commission employs more than 200 staff, many of whom include compliance and enforcement managers, and they are self-funded due to the fees that are levied on operators in return for licences. The Commission is not only responsible for regulating bingo in Great Britain, but also arcades, casinos, betting, software providers, gaming machine providers, lottery operators and external lottery managers, and British-based remote gambling operators. Interestingly, they are not responsible for the regulation of spread betting (this falls under the remit of the Financial Services Authority), or the National Lottery (which has its own Commission.)

Land-based club responsibilities

Profit-based physical bingo clubs and halls must own (at a minimum) an operating licence and personal licences for required members of staff, issued by the Gambling Commission, as well as a premises licence from their local Licensing Authority. Clubs that offer food, alcohol and/or entertainment must also hold a relevant licence. According to the Gambling Act, bingo that is run in aid of charity, or as a one-off, which makes less than £2k profit in a seven-day period, need not be licensed.

The Commission is responsible for ensuring that operators comply with requirements, and take appropriate action when they don’t.

As well as the Gambling Commission, there is a trade association which represents the UK industry called the Bingo Association. The Association aims to fill the gap between the Commission and the operators by helping to inform their members of changes to licensing, and develop best practice, and also lobbies the government for change on behalf of their members when necessary.

Online bingo and gambling laws

The Gambling Act of 2005 includes online bingo under the term “remote gambling,” and states that any website that wishes to advertise bingo games in the UK must be based in an approved “white-listed” country. Online sites are regulated by the laws of the country in which they’re based (e.g. you’ll find many based in Gibraltar, Malta, and Cyprus, amongst others), and they are therefore only approved if they have strict laws which fall in line with UK regulations.

Amongst several rules, these countries must show that gambling is conducted in a fair way, is not a source of crime and is not used to support crime, that players must be able to access the game rules in English, players can claim their winnings within a reasonable time period, and that they can contact the appropriate authorities to resolve any player disputes. Additionally, online bingo sites should have their own rules and regulations that are easily accessible. They must include requirements for players to be aged over 18, and residents of a country that allows gambling. Often, there is a statement saying that players should only use the site for personal entertainment; hence you will frequently find site rules that set a limit of one account per player to prevent abuse. Bonuses and promotions should also have their own terms and conditions which are equally simple to understand and access.

Why is bingo regulated at all?

At the end of the day, laws and regulatory bodies exist to not only prevent bingo clubs and online sites from carrying out illegal activities (such as money laundering), but are equally important in protecting you – the player. Provided that you use a properly licensed bingo site or club, you should be able to enjoy a fun and hassle-free gaming experience.