“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...

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...