Bongo’s Bingo names former PA Jessica Helliar as new CEO

Bongo’s Bingo has named Jessica Helliar as its new CEO, following her “pivotal” role in shaping the business since its inception in 2015.

Game Nation HR Director hails company-wide pride following latest life-changing CHIPS presentation

Game Nation’s Julie Redfern reflects on the company’s relationship with the CHIPS children’s charity following its latest wheelchair presentation to 8-year-old Jack in Ramsgate. The progressive high street gaming operator has raised over £50,0...

Rank Group warns higher tax will “cast clouds” over the UK bingo industry

In an update to Rank Group’s preliminary 2025/26 results, CEO Richard Harris has urged the government not to increase taxes, warning an increase in MGD would “cast clouds” over the UK bingo sector and “a material impact” on Rank’s own commerci...

Teen Spirit hits back at Burnham’s “incredibly disappointing” stance on AGCs

Charlton Cooper at Teen Spirit has called on the Prime Minister to stop tarnishing the AGC sector, explaining how much work those businesses put into their operations to deliver safe entertainment for their customers.

Adventure Island gets the go ahead for “unique” new seven-bedroom hotel in Southend 

Adventure Island has been granted permission by Southend-on-Sea City Council to open a seven bedroom hotel above the Sands by the Sea fish and chip shop at the entrance to the attraction, offering guests “entirely uninterrupted views out acros...

Economic experts reject Burnham’s stance on AGCs  on the high street

The head of lifestyle economics at the Institute of Economic Affairs has contested Andy Burnham’s decision to name betting shops alongside vape shops as businesses “hollowing out” the UK high street, highlighting the vast disparity between the...

Waugh takes aim at Lord Foster and the Commission over the misuse of statistics 

Arguing malicious misinformation is distorting gambling policy, Dan Waugh has criticised Lord Foster alongside the Gambling Commission and the current state of gambling-related research, which Waugh believes has “never been poorer”.

Bacta Survey: Business confidence tanks as 96 percent of industry less optimistic under Labour

Labour certainly isn’t working as far as the industry is concerned. The latest Bacta Pulse Survey of members reveals overwhelming anxiety over a potential Machine Games Duty hike, prompting widespread fears of venue closures and job losses. As...

Blackpool’s South Pier denied permission for new rides after public inquiry rules in favour of council decision

Blackpool Pier Company has been denied permission to erect a Log Flume and a Starflyer at the landward end of the South Pier, after appealing Blackpool City Council’s “disingenuous” decision to reject the initial proposals at a feisty public i...

GBG invites Andy Burnham to engage with gambling businesses during tour of UK

The Gambling Business Group has issued an open invitation to PM Andy Burnham to engage with licensed gambling businesses during his tour of the UK, to encourage “constructive dialogue” about the future of the high street.

Gambling Commission Acting CEO Sarah Gardner is shown the latest safer gambling advances during MERKUR Slots venue visit

The Gambling Commission’s Acting CEO, Sarah Gardner, visited MERKUR Slots in Southport to receive an update on the operator’s latest player protection initiatives. The fact-finding visit showcased new safer gambling technologies, including adv...

UK attractions sector on course for 60 pc growth

IAAPA has forecast that the UK attractions sector is on course for 60 percent growth over the next year, with the market set to become Europe’s second largest in terms of visitor spend.

Playland Fun Park named UK’s most affordable theme park

Playland Fun Park in Stourport-on-Severn has been named the UK’s most affordable theme park for the third year running in the annual ranking by Outdoor Toys.

LOL Bingo makes strategic move to close Sunderland venue

LOL Bingo has announced it will close its high street bingo lounge in Sunderland just three months after it opened, with the site demanding “a disproportionate amount of time” from the rapidly growing business.

Digital upgrades elevate exhibitor visibility across entire EAG360 ecosystem

January’s rebranded EAG360 has announced major digital upgrades across its website, event app, and registration systems. Completing in mid-September, these enhancements will give exhibitors maximum brand visibility and streamlined tools to eng...

Burnham to scrap Aim to Permit in bid to “restore our high streets”

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced plans to revoke the Aim to Permit rule as of next year, with 24-hour AGCs requiring full planning permission from local authorities and communities given “a stronger say over whether new betting shops ...

Bacta President challenges Government’s “fundamental misunderstanding” and criticises rhetoric on regulated high street gaming

Bacta President Joseph Cullis has challenged flawed government proposals and warns that Prime Minister Andy Burnham risks misrepresenting the sector. Citing data showing a 12 per cent decline in venues since 2015, Bacta has vowed to robustly d...

Silvertime granted licence for Earl’s Court venue despite planning rejection

Silvertime Amusements has been granted a licence to operate a 24-hour AGC in Earl’s Court, despite Kensington and Chelsea Council refusing planning permission for the venue in April.

‘Irresponsible’: Clacton Pier condemns the British Democrats for  attempting to light pyrotechnics on decking

Clacton Pier is the iconic feature of the Essex seaside coastal resort and every political figure wants a piece of it during the current by-election canvassing. But one party went too far and the Pier, constructed midway through Queen Victoria...

MERKUR UK supports Londonderry’s Waterside Women’s Centre in an effort to reduce isolation for new mums

The Waterside Women’s Centre has secured vital funding from the MERKUR Community Fund to host free milestone events for 90 new mothers and their babies. The initiative aims to ease financial pressures for local families, combat isolation, and ...

Bingo Association calls on Burnham to include bingo in rates cut

The Bingo Association has called on the government to widen the business rates support programme to bingo clubs. A sector that makes a huge contribution to local communities, how will Burnham respond to clubs that offer a major entertainment o...

Showmen’s Guild outlines the sector’s causes and concerns in welcome letter to new PM Andy Burnham 

The Showmen’s Guild of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has written to new PM Andy Burnham outlining the hopes and concerns of the travelling funfair industry, proposing a meeting with ministers to discuss how the government can support a se...

Derek Webb: ‘I’m not a dodgy donor – I have no commercial interest in my campaign to reform gambling’

Derek Webb, the founder and key figure at the Campaign for Fairer Gambling, wrote an opinion piece this week on Labour List, the authoritative forum for news, information and debate for party followers. Independent of Labour, but “a trusted fr...

The pride of Clacton: the Ball brothers to open a new luxury holiday park

Clacton Pier owners Billy and Elliot Ball have announced they will open a new luxury holiday park in nearby St Osyth this month, with the Tideaway development providing “a boutique destination that has a distinctly family feel and complements ...

Gambling Commission in turmoil: has the government installed its senior official to help shore up the rudderless regulator?

As more upheaval grips the Gambling Commission amid senior leadership exits, unfilled chief executive and chairman roles and a stuttering recruitment drive to fill posts to fight the rise of the illegal black market, the DCMS has despatched on...