Celebrating a wonderful industry: EAG Chairman’s Awards go to nine worthy recipients

EAG Expo ‘26 provided a high-profile platform to recognise and celebrate the people and the businesses that define the industry.

“Pick a side”: Miller urges the industry to “strangle” black market providers

As the unlicensed market continues to grow due to restrictive regulations and over-taxation, Tim Miller, executive director of the Gambling Commission, attended the ICE Expo ten days ago and called on the industry to “pick a side”. An ironic c...

Kirsty Caldwell appointed interim chair of GamCom’s Industry Forum, but what lies ahead for the group?

It’s taken almost three months for the Gambling Commission to appoint an interim chair of the Industry Forum, and even more given the early notice of Nick Rust’s premature announcement that he was standing down. Now, in comes existing Forum me...

“We’re seeing a fundamental shift”: Simon Barff explores rise of cashless in pub play

Speaking during the EAG Pub Summit, CLMS managing director Simon Barff explained how cashless and digital payment uptake has continued to grow since the pandemic, boosting pub income significantly while ushering in “a fundamental shift in how ...

Bacta Awards honour the stand-out contributions of outstanding individuals

Bacta used the platform provided by its flagship EAG Expo to honour three members of the industry who have gone beyond the call of duty. The 2026 Bacta Awards were presented to Alan Claypole of MERKUR UK (Supply Chain Champion), Alan Walker of...

National Crime Agency  issues new guidance on counterfeit notes action

The NCA has issued retailers with detailed guidance on what action to take on the discovery of the receipt of counterfeit notes, with business owners and staff encouraged to remain vigilant against the use of fake currency.

Commission reminds operators on the rules regarding availability of gaming machines

The Gambling Commission has sent licensees a reminder regarding the regulation governing the availability of gaming machines, telling operators that equipment such as tablets “must be available for customer use without staff assistance.”

John Stergides Snr honoured with ICE Landmark Award in Barcelona

A Landmark Award at ICE Barcelona 2026 marks five decades of leadership and influence from Electrocoin founder John Stergides Snr.

Hospitality sector faces over 2,000 closures without proper rates reform

UKHospitality warns over 2,000 venues could close in 2026 without urgent business rates reform, as rising costs threaten pubs, hotels and restaurants nationwide.

Finding Gravity: Gen Z is driving  demand for experience-led venues

Younger adults are increasingly seeking social experiences outside of pubs and nightclubs, according to insights shared by Gravity.

“I’m looking after it for the next generation”: the Bolloms remain determined to preserve future of Mumbles Pier

Bert and Fred Bollom have described their determination to keep Mumbles Pier going “for the next generation,” despite suffering setbacks in the form of debilitating maintenance costs, rising business outlay, and two devastating fires, with the...

Andy Tipple: “Monopoly was a clear highlight of our EAG stand attracting huge attention from every visitor”

Blueprint Operations Managing Director Andy Tipple reflects on a show that delivered against ambitious objectives and set a confident tone for the year ahead. From high-quality customer engagement, and a solid order book to standout licensed c...

Andrew Ludlow: “The feedback from customers and the strength of the forward pipeline exceeded anything we have ever achieved at previous trade shows”

Boomerang enjoyed its most successful trade show to date at EAG ‘26, registering record levels of customer engagement, confirmed orders and a future pipeline. Andrew Ludlow reflects on an event that exceeded expectations on every level, from t...

Matt Bicknell backs U-Turn on pub business rates but urges joined-up strategy to include stakes and prize uplift

Regal Gaming Technologies has been leading from the front with a £60m investment programme to deliver a contemporary connected and world-leading pub gaming offer. Managing Director Matt Bicknell has welcomed the Government’s decision to addres...

“Everything is stacked against us”: Claremont Pier decries £43,000 business rates jump 

Lowestoft landmark Claremont Pier faces an annual £43,000 business rates rise, with its director warning of job losses, reduced opening hours and higher prices.

Commission boosts its budget by 50 percent as data-led regulation and enforcement intensify

Following a year of higher costs and intensified enforcement, the UK Gambling Commission has increased its budget from £40m to £60m in pursuit of data innovation, compliance reform and White Paper delivery as it enters the next phase of its co...

Whitehouse Leisure launches exclusive KPop Demon Hunters range

Whitehouse Leisure has announced it will bring KPop Demon Hunters to markets including UK and Ireland, Europe and the Middle East in 2026, with a range of plush toys, gifts and products to meet the “massive consumer demand.”

Gambling Business Group confirms High Street Hub residence at ARE Expo in April

The annual GBG High Street Hub will take place at the ARE Expo in April with a strong showing from local authority and police forces expected. Working with the IoL, the Gambling Business Group will be using the Hub as an opportunity to highlig...

Revenue rises 3.2 pc for Shipley Brothers as investment in its bingo ops continues

BJ’s Bingo operator Shipley Brothers Ltd has announced revenue for 2024/25 rose 3.2 percent, despite a challenging trading environment. Looking ahead, the company confirmed its commitment to further investment in bingo but warned of “prolonged...

Ian Shreeve: “The UK remains a core market for Inspired, and our Gaming business continues to perform well across pubs, AGCs, MSAs and bingo halls”

Inspired confirmed its strong commitment to “investment in innovation” ahead of its EAG showing at EAG this week with Ian Shreeve outlining some of the highlights gracing the London stage.

NTIA submits a Freedom of Information request on Chancellor’s Budget decisions

The chair of the Night Time Industries Association has submitted a Freedom of Information request to the Government, in order to investigate what analysis was undertaken ahead of the Budget on the potential impact of business rates reform.

Peppa Pig Bus accelerating ahead for SB Machines

Over the course of multiple appearances at EAG, SB Machines has built a loyal and enthusiastic following of UK and Irish operators who make a bee-line for the stand to discover the latest cutting-edge kiddie rides, and this year is no exceptio...

Exhibitors pull out all the stops for EAG 2026

Despite the economic turbulence of recent times, EAG 2026 provided companies from across the UK and beyond the chance to show their confidence in the sector, debuting a series of new innovations designed to make this year a year of growth. Spe...

Isle of Wight MP puts forward compelling case for supporting tourism and hospitality SMEs

The importance of small businesses in coastal towns has been put into sharp relief by Joe Robertson, the Conservative MP for Isle of Wight East. Robertson, Shadow Secretary of State for DCMS, argues that small businesses need breathing space a...