Bonkers in Bristol: City council recommends rejecting plans for £13 million Club 3000 Bingo development

Bristol Council planning officers have recommended councillors refuse permission for Club 3000 Bingo to construct a new £13m hall on Hartcliffe Way, despite the submission receiving more than 500 letters of support from local residents.

Eight arrested, cash and machines seized as joint forces raid two illegal gambling dens in Doncaster 

Eight people were arrested last month as part of Operation Snaresbrook, which saw the Gambling Commission join forces with South Yorkshire Police, the City of Doncaster Council’s trading standards and licensing teams to raid two illegal gambli...

Clacton Pier prepares for 155th anniversary and a weekend packed with celebratory events

Clacton Pier will celebrate its 155th anniversary this weekend, and is inviting guests to help mark the occasion with giveaways, a history trail, fireworks extravaganza, and free talks. “Everyone is welcome to come along and join the party,” s...

Economic winds still blowing: Wetherspoon issues its fourth profit warning despite a 4 pc increase in Q2 sales 

In its latest pre-close trading update, JD Wetherspoon has reported profits are likely to be “below market expectations” for the past year, despite a four percent increase in sales during the 12 weeks to 19 July, and a 4.2 percent increase in ...

New machines compliance obligations for land-based operators begin next week as Commission turns up the over-regulation volume 

The Gambling Commission’s update to Licence Condition 18.1.1 in the LCCP will come into force on 29 July, with land-based operators obliged to remove all non-compliant machines from their premises when notified by the regulator..

MERKUR Community funding helps boost well-being and tackle social isolation

The MERKUR community programme has been credited with helping to improve the well-being of older people living in Northern Ireland. Working in partnership with the Agewell charity MERKUR UK funded an eight-week armchair Pilates programme that ...

Terror tactics: Brent Council sets out plans to create a “hostile environment” for high street arcadians

Brent Council has taken its prohibition stance to near hysterical levels, raising the tone of anti-gambling rhetoric to a war footing. And that includes targeting legitimate and regulated businesses on the high street. Is this the face of devo...

Steady as she goes: PM Burnham keen on DCMS stability as Nandy stays in post, but industry still awaiting news of Twycross 

Lisa Nandy is to retain her role at DCMS in Andy Burnham’s new cabinet. It’s a stability that will come as a bit of a laugh to all stakeholders. Having seen 9 secretaries of state in ten and a half years, DCMS serves as the solitary key depart...

GSGB problem gambling rate falls to 2.4 percent – but methodology and inaccuracy debate refuses to go away

The latest Gambling Survey for Great Britain reports a stabilisation of problem gambling prevalence, but questions over its methodology – and its accuracy – continue to undermine the headline figures. Within months of its launch, the GSGB rese...

Confidence across UK hospitality drops by one third as revenues slip too

The latest Business Confidence Survey from NIQ and Zonal has revealed just 21 percent of hospitality leaders are confident about the future of the sector over the next 12 months, as more than a third report a drop in revenue during the last qu...

MGD is the tax that could cost Britain its ‘Great Seaside Holiday’

Bacta has warned that increasing Machine Games Duty would threaten the future of Britain’s seaside piers and amusement arcades, putting jobs, regional economies and the appeal of the Great British seaside holiday at risk. Undermining the viabi...

MERKUR expands UK presence with acquisition of Leeds Casino

MERKUR UK has strengthened its casino portfolio with the acquisition of the Victoria Gate Casino in Leeds, its third UK venue. The investment reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to land-based gaming, regional economic growth and job ...

Club 3000 Bingo unveils a £27 million investment programme across estate 

Club 3000 Bingo has announced it will invest £27m across its UK estate over the next 12 months, including the launch of a new £5.5m club in Sunderland and a £13m venue in Bristol, alongside the refurbishment of clubs in Mansfield, Cwmbran, Don...

Gambling minister confirms GIAs will not be introduced before summer recess

The gambling minister has confirmed Gambling Impact Assessments will not be brought into force this summer, with their passage through parliament expected to take place after the scheduled recess. 

A tale of two councils: Sefton approves Southport AGC citing economic boost, while Brent joins campaign to block new venues

Sefton Council has green lit plans for a new AGC in Southport after calculating it would boost footfall and support the town centre economy – taking a markedly different approach to anti-gambling councils campaigning for greater powers to bloc...

Hubbard family to celebrate twenty years of CJ’s Bowling

Craig and Julie Hubbard are preparing to celebrate twenty years operating CJ’s Bowling in Hockley, having first transformed the vacant factory unit by adding 12 bowling lanes, snooker and pool tables, and a bar in 2007.

Gambling Commission to roll out FRAs for all those spending over £1,000: but is it legal?

The BGC and BHA are among numerous industry bodies opposing the Gambling Commission’s decision to roll out Financial Risk Assessments, which will see the financial position of all those depositing more than £1,000 in a rolling 24-hour period a...

Bringing the industry together: Inside Boomerang Digital’s charity cricket tournament that continues to score for good causes

Coinslot: What inspired you to launch the tournament, and what causes were being supported this year?

National Piers Society given “impeccable welcome” for ‘26 AGM at Bournemouth Pier

The National Piers Society held its AGM at Bournemouth Pier this year, with members from across the country enjoying an “impeccable welcome” from pier operator Adventure Attractions during their visit from 19 to 21 June, alongside trips to Bos...

Jacob Woolls represents regional sector at Great British Summer Savings reception

Dymchurch Amusement Park co-owner Jacob Woolls was able to represent the Kent amusements sector at Downing Street last week, after being invited to the Great British Summer Savings reception.

All guns blazing: Blackpool Pier Company fires first round with “explosive” testimony in planning inquiry into new rides on South Pier

It was a ballsy offence by Blackpool Pier Company as they look to overturn a council decision to reject two new rides on South Pier. “Disingenuous” was the kindest description it could offer to the Public Inquiry on the Council’s decision to r...

Baroness Twycross visits Club 3000 Bingo Leeds

The gambling minister paid a visit to Club 3000 Bingo Leeds last week, meeting staff and members of the Bingo Association to discuss the issues currently affecting the sector.

MERKUR Community award helps disadvantaged Belfast young adults get ‘job ready’

Providing disadvantaged young adults with the ability to develop the digital skills necessary to build self-confidence and enter the jobs market is the latest progressive initiative undertaken by MERKUR Community. Funding has enabled Belfast-b...

GBG High Street Hub keeps industry issues at the centre of the regeneration debate 

The Gambling Business Group’s High Street Hub, which took up residence at this week’s ARE Expo in Manchester, attracted its highest number of attendees since its launch four years ago. Over the two days, representatives from the industry, DCMS...

A strong showing for second ARE Expo as industry pushes back against stress points with top products and quality engagement in Manchester

These are tough times for industry exhibitions as businesses try to counter rampaging costs by cutting back on their outgoings. But the second edition of ARE held its own at the Cotton Sheds in Manchester last week, pulling in the UK’s leading...