Bingo policy direction risks pushing softer play off the high street, warns Simon Wykes

Industry consultant Simon Wykes, former CEO of Gala Leisure and Jackpotjoy, warns Government proposals ignore modern play, threaten high street bingo growth and misapply risk-based regulation.

Clacton Pier makes another  “significant investment” in popular amusement arcade

Clacton Pier is continuing to invest in its amusement arcade with the addition of Dinosaur Era X-Treme, a two-player Smurf coin pusher and the Breaking News photo booth this month, the latest in a series of new entertainment options installed ...

Continue Arcades opens third site in Swansea after securing 30 units

Continue Arcades has made its Welsh debut with the opening of its third site, with the retro gaming operator also announcing it has secured a further 30 units.

Licence to thrill: Electrocoin announces James Bond 60th Anniversary pinball

Electrocoin has announced the availability of Stern Pinball’s James Bond 60th Anniversary pinball machine, marking six decades of the iconic 007 franchise with a limited-edition release.

Simon Harvey: Innovator, pioneer, entrepreneur and Showman

Simon Harvey, a well-known and highly respected figure in the British leisure and amusement industry, passed away on 17 December 2025. His career spanned arcades, funfairs, retail leisure, technology and creative arts, reflecting a lifetime of...

Andrew Rhodes sends signal of an imminent response to Cat D machines consultation 

The Gambling Commission will soon respond to the Cat D consultation, according to CEO Andrew Rhodes, who spoke to Focus Gaming News about the Commission’s evidence-led approach to shaping new reforms and assessing the impact of those already i...

Hospitality businesses to be hit with “unsustainable” £33,000 increase in rates

UKHospitality has reported that hospitality properties in England will see their business rates bills rise by an average of £32,714 over the next three years, following the Chancellor’s decision not to increase the multiplier discount and to i...

Robobike 4D-motion motorbike platform to make world debut at EAG Expo

With its emphasis on social competition, inclusivity and ongoing content updates, the debut of Robobike at ExCeL London confirms EAG Expo’s role as the stage to showcase next-generation leisure experiences. Anyone who has wondered what adrenal...

MPs to debate high street gambling reform

The House of Commons has set a date to discuss high street gambling reform, with MPs due to debate licensing, planning and regulation processes on 8 January.

Buzz Bingo raises £300,000 through partnership with the Stroke Association

Buzz Bingo has announced that its partnership with the Stroke Association has raised £300,000 over the past three years, reflecting “the generosity and commitment of Buzz Bingo’s colleagues and customers across the UK.”

Illegal Belfast bingo operator avoids prison

A man who operated an illegal bingo network from his home in Belfast between 2020 and 2022 has avoided a jail sentence, despite pleading guilty to possessing criminal property worth almost £55,000.

Carlton wins high praise for festive bingo community campaign 

Carlton Bingo has received “amazing” feedback for its latest community engagement campaign, which brought bingo to dozens of local care homes and day centres.

Worthing Pier to receive “permanent fix” for damaged section in 2026

Adur and Worthing Councils have confirmed the allocation of £900,000 to repair the damaged section of Worthing Pier next year, two years after the attraction was temporarily closed due to storm damage.

A Quick Chat with SB Machines’ Paolo Sidoli

Few companies in the amusement sector can uphold the importance of the family more than SB Machines. The Porthcawl-based sales and service centre for Italian coin-operated rides is run by second generation Paolo Sidoli who started working in t...

Clacton Pier partner Rays of Sunshine to host VIP Christmas event for seriously ill children

Clacton Pier treated seriously ill children and their families to a special festive VIP event last weekend, as part of an annual collaboration with the Rays of Sunshine charity’s “12 days of Wishmas” campaign.

J Holland and Sons submit plans for new Weymouth bingo hall

J Holland and Sons has submitted plans to Dorset Council to open a new bingo hall in Weymouth, converting a former Boots store on St Mary Street into the latest venue in its Trident Casino estate.

Lyons to add new arcade in leisure expansion at Point of Ayr Holiday Park

Lyons has submitted plans to expand the existing leisure facilities at Point of Ayr Holiday Park in Talacre, adding an arcade, soft play area, bar and sports lounge.

Marston’s holds Year End Townhall to reflect on 2025

Marston’s held its annual Year End Townhall last week, bringing staff together at the Pub Support Centre to “celebrate the incredible year we’ve had.”

Buzz Bingo completes Ashmore Park refit

Ashmore Park has become the latest Buzz Bingo club to benefit from a major refurbishment, five months after the company secured a £25m investment package with Barclays.

Royal Amusements approved for AGC expansion

Royal Amusements has been granted permission by Bradford Council to enlarge its existing AGC on Bridge Street by expanding into an adjoining unit to the rear.

Tower Cinema and Arcade plans a facelift to showcase FEC at Skegness landmark

Skegness’ historic Tower Cinema and Arcade is set for a refurbishment intended to transform the building’s appearance and better showcase the on-site FEC.

Licensing specialists Hough and Bollard celebrate tenth anniversary 

Gambling licensing consultancy Hough and Bollard is celebrating its tenth anniversary this month, with founder and director Debbie Bollard reflecting on “an amazing ten years.”

BBPA demands pub specific relief to help protect 15,000 jobs

The British Beer and Pub Association has urged the Government to introduce a 30 percent sector-specific business rates relief in order to protect thousands of pubs and 15,000 jobs, after the Budget “left publicans petrified.”

Ealing residents hijack Xmas tree lighting ceremony to protest  Hanwell AGC plans 

An appeal lodged by Pure Gaming Ltd against Ealing Council’s decision to refuse proposals for a new bingo hall prompted a skilfully organised and co-ordinated hijack of the annual Christmas   Tree lighting event  in the town centre. According ...

It’s the end of an era for Enterprise Amusements as Paignton site changes hands and usage 

The sale of Enterprise Amusements in Paignton marks the end of a 20-year era, as owner Ryan Davies reflects on family legacy and future business growth.