Major operator of bingo clubs across the UK Gala Leisure and UK-based online bingo operator Gala Interactive are the latest gambling companies to become part of the Senet Group, known to be the independent watchdog of the country’s gambling industry. The two businesses are known to be the land-based and the online division of major bingo operator Gala Bingo.
Gala Bingo is, in fact, the first bingo operator to be joining the roster of companies part of the Senet Group, with William Hill, Paddy Power Betfair, Coral, Sky Betting & Gaming, and Ladbrokes being among those.
The Senet Group was established as an independent body back in September 2014 by four of Great Britain’s major gambling operators – Coral, Ladbrokes, Paddy Power, and William Hill, following public concerns on the influence of gambling, particularly that of gambling-related advertising. The group has stated that any gambling company can join it, provided that it agrees to stick to certain rules. Since founded, a number of UK-based gambling operators have indeed become its members.
Commenting on the latest announcement, Senet Group Chair Wanda Goldwag said that an important milestone has been reached as more gambling sectors seem to be realizing how important it is to promote responsible gambling. Ms. Goldwag further noted that they are all extremely happy to be welcoming their first bingo brand and are looking forward to working with both Gala Leisure and Gala Interactive as more and more operators are willing to commit to the independent oversight the Senet Group has been providing since founded.
Gala Leisure CEO Simon Wykes commented that bingo is a community-based gaming activity that is right at the softest edge of gambling. However, as such, they consider responsible gambling and its promotion extremely important and that they are well-aware of the merits to work all together as an industry and not just as a sector within an industry.
Sarah Harrison, Chief Executive of the UK Gambling Commission, also commented on Gala Bingo joining the Senet Group, saying that they are determined to further broaden the independent body’s base. Ms. Harrison also noted that they hope the Senet Group, gambling operators, and other interested parties will all work together, thus building on the “industry’s commitment to responsible gambling.”
