- University of Leeds
MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS
In late June 2023, Baron accepted an invitation to the Bacta Convention, the UK trade association’s annual members meeting. Also accepting invitations to the November 2023 event were the Gambling Commission’s Andrew Rhodes and Michael Dugher of the Betting and Gaming Council.
Bacta Chief Executive John White said: “Our aim with the Convention is to bring together a corps of speakers who are authorities in their field, who are able to explain latest thinking and who can talk about the implications of both policy and related developments for Bacta members and their businesses.
“With the next UK General Election having to take place by 28th January 2025 and following the long-awaited publication of the White Paper on gambling reform I am delighted that we have been able to secure both the Minister responsible for gambling, The Rt Hon Stuart Andrew MP as well as the Shadow Minister, Alex Davies-Jones MP. Both will, I am sure, be keen to outline the direction of travel, explain policy objectives and their party’s vision for the future of land-based gambling businesses in the UK. The political theme will be extended into the evening when Bacta holds its annual Parliamentary Reception in the House of Commons.
“Betting and Gaming Council CEO Michael Dugher, who during his career as a Labour Party MP served as Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, as well as Miles Baron, CEO of the Bingo Association will participate in a ‘C-Level In Conversation’ round table whilst another CEO, The Gambling Commission’s Andrew Rhodes, will be making a key note speech.”
EMPLOYMENT
Baron has held that job since October 2012. Prior to that, he worked as the Sales and Marketing Director of Mecca Bingo, a British operator of bingo clubs, with more than 75 locations throughout the country. Baron received his Executive MBA from the University of Leeds in 1996.
The Bingo Association was formed in 1998 after the merger of the British Bingo Operators’ Association and the Bingo Association of Great Britain.The association works with a wide array of stakeholders, including operators, club owners, the central government, policymakers, regulators, compliance organisations, organisations that research and treat problem gambling, the media, and other organisations in the trade sector.
The Association leads through a number of means, including hosting industry forums, shaping and driving the sector’s policy agenda, negotiating with critical third parties, and speaking to the media.
The Bingo Association’s executive council is large. It’s members are: Stevie Shaves of the Buzz Group; Andy Crump and Mike Sime of Mecca Bingo; Mike Watret and Leslie Ross of Carlton Leisure; Jeff Harris and Lisa Morgan of Castle Leisure Ltd; Brian Fraser and Steve Pidgeon of Fraser Capital Management; Steven Ambrose and Simon Coombes of Merkur; Mark Jepp and Eric Howell of Majestic Bingo; Dave Robson of Shipley Brothers; Stefan Harrison of Club 2000; Daryl Davidson of Opera Bingo; Tony Lynch of Full Gaming Management Services; Jim Shipley of SJRP; Amanda Kiernan of Merkur Cashino (Praesepe); and Martin Lagar of Parkdean Resorts.
A major issue the Bingo Association has been dealing with is lower attendance at the bingo clubs. In May 2021, attendance had dropped “between 30 and 40%” of pre-pandemic levels, Baron said. At the same time, about 46 halls “failed to make it through.” By late May 2023, however, Baron reported that there were signs of recovery. He said: “Currently, we’re 10 to 15% down on pre-Covid levels, so the gap is closing.” Miles Baron
