Bingo is a form of equal chance gaming and as such is regulated in the UK by the Gaming Act 1968. Prize bingo is the type of game encountered at seaside amusement arcades, travelling funfairs or as a game played in the intervals at cash bingo clubs between cash bingo games. Prizes rather than money are won.
Local authorities regulate amusement arcades and fun fairs.
Cash bingo is primarily a commercial activity and is regulated by the Part 2 of Gaming Act 1968. Commercial bingo can only be played at premises licensed by the Gaming Board from Great Britain. Cash bingo, however, can also be played in certain circumstances on unlicensed premises. Section 40 of the Gaming Act 1968 allows clubs who do not wish to register under the 1968 Act to promote games such as cash bingo, whist and bridge among members and to impose a charge for playing on members and bona fide guests. To be exempted under section 40, the club must comprise at least 25 members and have been established for a purpose other than gaming.