Gala Bingo signs up to the Senet Group

Gala Bingo has become the first bingo company to join UK independent gambling watchdog the Senet Group.

The land-based and online bingo operator will now join the likes of Paddy Power Betfair, William Hill, Coral, Ladbrokes and Sky Betting and Gambling as major brands to have signed up to Senet.

Simon Wykes, chief executive of Gala Bingo’s parent company, Gala Leisure, said the operator places a “great emphasis” on responsible gambling and joining the Senet Group will help the firm work with like-minded operators.

“Bingo is recognised as being a community-based activity at the softest edge of gaming,” Wykes said.

“As such, we place great importance on responsible gambling and can see the merits in working together as an industry rather than just as a sector within it.”

Wanda Goldwag, chair of Senet Group added: “Today marks an important milestone as more sectors from across the gambling industry recognise the importance of promoting responsible gambling standards.

“We are delighted to welcome the first bingo brand to the Senet Group, and look forward to working with Gala Bingo as more businesses from across the industry make the commitment to submit to the independent oversight we provide.”

Sarah Harrison, chief executive of the UK Gambling Commission, also spoke positively about the move, adding: “We welcome the further broadening of the Senet Group’s base and look to the group, and all industry leaders and representative bodies, to come together to meet the ambition of the new Responsible Gambling Strategy Board strategy and to build on the industry’s commitment to responsible gambling in Britain.”

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