Policy discussions remain a priority during UK bingo leadership transitions

(AsiaGameHub) –   Sarah Gardner, acting Chief Executive of the UK Gambling Commission (GC), has confirmed that constructive dialogue with the Bingo Association will continue amid ongoing leadership restructuring at the top of both organisations.

Gardner paused her regular Deputy Chief Executive duties at the start of May to step into the interim CEO role, filling in for Andrew Rhodes, who resigned on 30 April. She will continue in this position until the Commission appoints a permanent replacement for Rhodes.

Meanwhile, the Bingo Association will also be parting ways with its long-serving CEO Miles Baron, who has announced his retirement later in June. His successor has already been named: Nicole Garrett, an expert in corporate affairs and government policy. Both Baron and Garrett were present at the Association’s AGM on 7 May, where Gardner delivered her speech.

“Today, I wanted to formally put on record my thanks and that of the Gambling Commission for Miles’ contributions over the years: how he has worked with us in a collaborative spirit and his tireless efforts to represent the bingo sector,” Gardner said.

“And because the gambling industry never stands still, I also want to share that we are looking forward to working with Nicole as the incoming Chief Executive, and continuing to build that collaborative relationship moving forward.”

Gardner went on to applaud the Association for the ongoing feedback it provided on the quality assessment of the Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB) — the Commission’s new nationwide research into gambling participation, launched in 2023 to inform future policies using modernised methodology.

The GC’s acting CEO noted that the Association’s frequent contributions helped optimise the survey, allowing it to present the most accurate portrait of the UK’s bingo sector.

Gardner concluded: “Working together, rather than retreating to our entrenchments, means we can build a shared understanding instead of fostering mistrust. We can strive to make progress instead of holding one another back.

“At the Commission, my team and I value the way the bingo sector and the Bingo Association collaborate with us. We want to keep this going, and we look forward to continuing to work with all of you throughout the coming year.”