Nicole Garrett to take the helm as new UK Bingo Association CEO
Garrett joins the trade body from National Lottery operator Allwyn.
UK.- The Bingo Association (BA), the National Bingo Game Association (NBGA) and the bingo services provider Meeron have announced the appointment of Nicole Garrett as their next chief executive officer. Current CEO Miles Baron will step down at the end of June.
The appointment was made jointly by the chairs of the respective bodies as part of a planned succession process. Nicole joins them from Allwyn, operator of the UK National Lottery, where she served as Group Head of Responsible Gaming, leading international initiatives focused on safer play.
Previous roles included head of corporate affairs at bet365 and head of policy at the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), positions that give Garrett extensive experience across policy development, regulatory reform and stakeholder engagement within the wider gambling sector in both industry and lobby roles.
The appointment comes at what’s seen as a crucial moment for the UK bingo industry as several major shifts converge. While the UK government has hiked remote gaming tax from April 2026, it’s scrapped bingo duty in a move that it’s hoped will help revitalise the sector by reducing financial pressure on the 250 bingo clubs operating in the UK and encouraging investment in venues and community activities.
At the same time, new regulations are shaping safer play environments. Operators are adopting advanced tools for responsible gaming, which helps sustain trust and long-term growth in the industry as bingo reclaims its identity as a social pastime with a renewed focus on community and inclusivity.
The Bingo Association said it believes that Nicole brings a strong strategic perspective and a proven track record in navigating regulatory and social responsibility challenges.
The chairmen of BA, NBGA and Meeron said in a statement: “We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Nicole Garrett as our new CEO. Nicole brings an exceptional breadth of experience from across the wider gaming sector, with a strong track record in policy development, regulatory engagement, and responsible gaming. We are confident she will provide outstanding leadership as the bingo industry navigates an evolving regulatory and commercial landscape.”
Commenting on her appointment, Garrett said: “I am thrilled to be joining the Bingo Association (BA), the National Bingo Game Association (NBGA) and Meeron at such an important time for the bingo industry. Bingo plays a unique and valued role within local communities, and I am very much looking forward to working closely with members and stakeholders to support the sector and help shape its future.”
