Welcome to Bingo Life  2016 is drawing rapidly to a close and again it has been a busy and challenging year for the industry.
It is nearly two years since we published The Association's first Code of Conduct and Operators' Handbook, and constant revisions need to be made, reflecting the pace of change and increased regulatory requirements. However, the agenda for 2017 looks set to be a continuation of 2016, with Social Responsibility remaining firmly centre stage and the regulator looking at how best to move operators forward more quickly and ensuring the consumer is at the heart of everything they do. The Commission Chief Executive Sarah Harrison has made the position in regard to these matters quite clear, challenging the GB gambling sector to become the most trusted in the world.
The last few months of 2016 saw a flurry of activity around consultations on the Triennial Review and low risk exemptions for AMLD. The Association is hopeful that it will be successful in achieving a low risk exemption, as the burden of enhanced due diligence would be considerable.
Despite a challenging year The Association, with the support of its members, suppliers and bingo players, has been able to move forward:
- Organisation's membership has increased to 90% of all licensed bingo premises
- The industry self-exclusion scheme was developed and implemented, ahead of schedule.
- Record breaking fundraising year for Variety, the children's charity
- An active role in the evolution of IGRG and supporting its key work streams.
Following the success of fundraising in this second year of support for Variety, the Association has committed to a third year. The longer term aim is to have raised over £1m over four years but let's take one year at a time for now.
Finally I would like to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and to say that I am looking forward to continuing the work of The Association in the year ahead.
Miles Baron
Chief Executive
The Bingo Association | 
