The UK Gambling Commission has been taking the rules and regulations it has in place very seriously when making checks on UK licensed operators and a number are falling short of its expectations. We have seen recently that InTouch Games surrendered its licence, Done Brothers (Betfred), Videoslots, Skill On Net, William Hill and more have all been affected.
Normal Play is Still Safe
Now we know this might give readers cause for concern, but most of these breaches are not in relation to the day to day operation of the sites, how the games play or how the operators look after the money of the average punter.
Where the operators are being caught out is by not having enough checks in place to cover certain aspects of the business:
to protect those that are betting bigger and more often, that might be a sign of a gambling problem and potential gambling harm
to ensure that the bigger and more frequent deposits and bets are not actually money laundering operations or covering terror financing
Lindar Media was reviewed between July 2021 and September 2022 and in addition to the above failings they also did not advise the Commission when a person in a key position left, they did not make the expected annual contribution to the fund that helps combat problem gambling and that the firm fell short on following all of the advertising codes concerning appealing to minors.
What Penalty Will Lindar Media Face?
The technical terms for the outcome of the investigation is ‘Divestment, Payment in lieu of financial penalty, Commission costs and Public statement’.
As the UKGC was happy that Lindar Media were already taking steps to fix the issues before and immediately after the report the payment in lieu of financial penalty was set at £690,947, which will be used for socially responsible purposes. The firm agreed to publication of the facts of the case and they had to pay the UKGC investigation costs.
What does all this mean for players?
While we say these things need not be a worry to those who play online bingo, slots and casino games and like to bet on sports, it may be that in tightening up rules to meet the UKGC standards, we might all be inconvenienced with more ID checks, checks on how much we can afford to play and checks on where our spending money comes from. This will not go down well with many, so the operators really need to find the path of least resistance with players while meeting their licence requirements. That’s a tightrope to walk!
WhichBingo Awards 2025 – Gala Crowned the Best Bingo Site By You
The WhichBingo Awards are over for another year and what an exciting one it has been! Since first launching in 2014, the WhichBingo Awards have become one of the most coveted awards in the industry and our event this year held on May 14th was a huge success. Once again, the WhichBingo Awards 2025 took place on the beautiful Sunborn Yacht Hotel in Gibraltar, so really there are no losers for…
by
Jennifer McFadyen
3min
22. Apr 202515:59
The Stars and Luck: Russell Grant on Astrology, Bingo, and Cosmic Fortune
For decades, Russell Grant has been a trusted name in astrology, offering cosmic insights that blend wisdom with his signature charm. But can the stars truly influence luck? Do certain zodiac signs have a better shot at winning games of chance? And what does astrology say about strategy, intuition, and fortune? WhichBingo wanted to get to the bottom of this. We sat down with the iconic astrologer to chat about…
by
Killian Morris
5min
16. Apr 202512:35
Hook, Line & Winner: Fishin’ Frenzy Bingo Goes Live
Fishin’ Frenzy Bingo is a brand new bingo game, the latest innovation in the bingo world, offering players like yourself an exciting new twist on the classic 90-ball bingo game. This game combines the fun of bingo with the excitement of slot features, jackpots, and bonus rounds, all while staying true to the famous Fishin’ Frenzy brand. The game looks great and is totally in line with the brand’s design…
by
Esther Rubin
2min
27. Mar 202516:57
Exclusive Inside Look: The Club 3000 Bingo Video Series Dropping Soon
Get ready for a brand new WhichBingo video series featuring one of the biggest brands in UK bingo, Club 3000 Bingo, along with a few famous faces. The trailer for episode one is now out, with the first episode dropping on the 3rd of April. From each Thursday after, a special new video will be released, giving an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what makes this bingo so special. In Inside…
by
Esther Rubin
2min
15. May 202507:00
WhichBingo Awards 2025 – Gala Crowned the Best Bingo Site By You
The WhichBingo Awards are over for another year and what an exciting one it has been! Since first launching in 2014, the WhichBingo Awards have become one of the most coveted awards in the industry and our event this year held on May 14th was a huge success. Once again, the WhichBingo Awards 2025 took place on the beautiful Sunborn Yacht Hotel in Gibraltar, so really there are no losers for…
by
Jennifer McFadyen
3min
11. Mar 202516:42
200,000 Votes and Counting So Far in the 2025 WhichBingo Awards
WhichBingo, one of the UK’s best known and most trusted online bingo review and affiliate sites, owned and operated by Gambling.com Group, is delighted to reveal that more than 200,000 votes have so far been cast in the annual WhichBingo Awards. With just under a month to go, there is still plenty of time to vote, with the closing date for nominations being the 4th of April, 2025. Commenting on the…
by
Charles Shakespeare
3min
16. Dec 202412:32
The Best New Christmas Slot Releases 2024
Christmas is just around the corner and one of the easiest ways online slot players can get into the festive spirit is by spinning the reels of Xmas themed slot games. The good news is that it looks like Santa has come early this year as there is already a multitude of fantastic new Xmas themed slot releases available to spin! This includes top titles such as Santa’s Xmas Rush,…
by
Jennifer McFadyen
3min
17. Nov 202406:55
Safer Gambling Week 2024: An Important Conversation
For most people, gambling is a fun thing to do. A small deposit, a few wagers, or a cheeky flutter here and there can add a bit of thrill to your day. But for some, gambling can get out of control, creating financial and emotional challenges… or worse. That’s why Safer Gambling Week 2024 (SGW) which is running from Monday 18th of November to Sunday 24th of November is so…
by
Esther Rubin
3min
16. Apr 202512:35
Hook, Line & Winner: Fishin’ Frenzy Bingo Goes Live
Fishin’ Frenzy Bingo is a brand new bingo game, the latest innovation in the bingo world, offering players like yourself an exciting new twist on the classic 90-ball bingo game. This game combines the fun of bingo with the excitement of slot features, jackpots, and bonus rounds, all while staying true to the famous Fishin’ Frenzy brand. The game looks great and is totally in line with the brand’s design…
by
Esther Rubin
2min
17. Nov 202406:55
Safer Gambling Week 2024: An Important Conversation
For most people, gambling is a fun thing to do. A small deposit, a few wagers, or a cheeky flutter here and there can add a bit of thrill to your day. But for some, gambling can get out of control, creating financial and emotional challenges… or worse. That’s why Safer Gambling Week 2024 (SGW) which is running from Monday 18th of November to Sunday 24th of November is so…
by
Esther Rubin
3min
20. Sep 202410:48
Betting Company Flutter Shows Community Spirit with £400k Cash4Clubs Initiative
Flutter UKI, the betting company behind brands Paddy Power Bingo, Betfair, Sky Betting & Gaming and tombola, shows that giving back can be a priority. As part of its Do More initiative which hopes to improve the lives of 10 million people by 2030, Flutter UKI has proudly announced the return of its flagship Cash4Clubs programme, offering financial support to grassroots sports organisations. For 2024, Cash4Clubs will offer a massive…
by
Esther Rubin
3min
12. Aug 202408:15
Mecca Bingo’s New Ad Campaign ‘Legends of Play’ – A Historical Hoot
Legends of Play Nothing to see here, just Mecca Bingo doing typical Mecca Bingo things—bringing a mix of comedy, quirkiness, and memorable voiceovers (shoutout to Jessica Knappett) to the bingo scene. Its new ad series, ‘Legends of Play since back in the day’ kicks off with Henry VIII celebrating a big win on his jewel-encrusted (mobile!) phone in a grand banquet hall. Anne Boleyn makes a frowning cameo as Knappett…
by
Esther Rubin
3min
28. Nov 202415:45
Two Developments in UK Gambling Designed to Protect Players
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has announced two measures to improve player protection designed to reduce the risks of gambling addiction while ensuring that more operators contribute to helping people affected. The changes involve new stake limits and a statutory levy. Let’s read more about it. 1. New Stake Limits While full details have yet to be outlined, based on the Gambling Review’s White Paper, the…
by
Esther Rubin
3min
20. Nov 202415:49
Safer Gambling Week 2024: Promoting Positive Play and Industry Support
Safer gambling week is upon us once again but what does that mean for the gambling industry and those who play? For gambling companies it is an opportunity to engage with their customers and promote the various tools that are on offer to help players manage their gambling spend, their time spent gambling and their access to gambling. For consumers it is a chance to have open and honest conversations…
by
Rob Mabbett
3min
17. Nov 202406:55
Safer Gambling Week 2024: An Important Conversation
For most people, gambling is a fun thing to do. A small deposit, a few wagers, or a cheeky flutter here and there can add a bit of thrill to your day. But for some, gambling can get out of control, creating financial and emotional challenges… or worse. That’s why Safer Gambling Week 2024 (SGW) which is running from Monday 18th of November to Sunday 24th of November is so…
by
Esther Rubin
3min
13. Jun 202410:59
Rise in Safer Gambling Tools Use During Safer Gambling Week
New figures released have shown a substantial uptake in the use of safer gambling tools during last year’s Safer Gambling Week. 2023’s Safer Gambling Week was held from November 13th to November 19th and promoted an exciting campaign on the use of safer gambling tools when gambling. Safer Gambling Week is organised by the Betting and Gaming Council and is in its 7th year. It brings together many different areas…
by
Jennifer McFadyen
1min
6. Jun 202513:45
Love Island Through the Ages
What the Cast Would’ve Looked Like in the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90’s and predictions for 2050 With Love Island returning to our screens next week, it’s time to pop on the lip gloss, top up the fake tan, and get ready for another summer of slow-burn romance, bombshell drama, and recoupling chaos. But what if the villa had opened its doors in another decade? What if the Islanders strutted their…
by
Killian Morris
4min
15. May 202507:00
WhichBingo Awards 2025 – Gala Crowned the Best Bingo Site By You
The WhichBingo Awards are over for another year and what an exciting one it has been! Since first launching in 2014, the WhichBingo Awards have become one of the most coveted awards in the industry and our event this year held on May 14th was a huge success. Once again, the WhichBingo Awards 2025 took place on the beautiful Sunborn Yacht Hotel in Gibraltar, so really there are no losers for…
by
Jennifer McFadyen
3min
7. May 202520:00
WhichBingo Awards 2025: A Night of Glitz, Games & Celebs
One of the most anticipated events in the online bingo calendar is almost here — the WhichBingo Awards 2025. Taking place on 14 May aboard the stunning Sunborn Yacht Hotel in Gibraltar, this glamorous evening promises a mix of celebration, recognition, and top-notch entertainment. Dabbers Bingo will be on hand again this year to provide the entertainment. A Star-Studded Guest Line-Up This year’s awards will shine even brighter thanks to…
by
Jennifer McFadyen
2min
24. Apr 202516:22
Jake Quickenden on Supporting Chris Hughes, Staying Grounded & Life Beyond Reality TV
Jake Quickenden has done it all, rising to fame on The X Factor to his appearances on hit shows like I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here… and most recently had success with his podcast Untapped with co-host Spencer Matthews. In this exclusive Q&A, the star opens up about supporting close friend Chris Hughes in Celebrity Big Brother, balancing fame with fatherhood, and raising money for Sarcoma UK. Speaking…
by
Killian Morris
16min
Updated October 16, 2024
Anita Heffernan
Author & Managing Editor
The Bingo Veteran – “Bingo Queen”
The Bingo Queen is a fun name earned from colleagues through Anita Heffernan's exceptional knowledge and commitment to the online bingo world. With over 20 years of experience as both a player and an expert in the industry, Anita has built a reputation as a trusted authority on all things bingo.
3min 
Reader comments