Gambling sectors

About bingo

There is no legal definition of the game of bingo, or a standard set of rules under which the game is played. However, the game and its rules have evolved to the point where, despite the absence of any formal industry standard, the way in which bingo is played is broadly similar throughout Great Britain. Bingo is equal chance gaming.

More information about the bingo industry is available in Gambling Industry Statistics 2008/09.

Remote bingo

Bingo can be remote or non-remote, both are played to the same standard set of rules.

The requirements that those providing bingo by remote means need to meet are set out in the remote gambling and software technical standards.

Bingo equipment

The Gambling Commission has published the Bingo and casino equipment technical requirements - July 2008 relating to:

  • remote bingo made available in licensed premises (for example, equipment used in the National Game)
  • ancillary remote bingo (for example, electronic bingo terminals which are hand held devices which play the game electronically but which still require customer participation)
  • non-remote bingo equipment (for example, random number generators for non-remote bingo).