UK bingo operator Tombola was named bingo operator of the year last week at the eGaming Review Operator Awards as reported by Two Big Ladies.
Tombola’s latest industry recognition reflects more than a winning streak: it highlights the people and ideas behind the Sunderland-based bingo operator. After earning its third consecutive Operator of the Year award, the company was also commended for its customer service, mobile offering and social responsibility. Its in-house games have helped Tombola respond quickly to players, while the Tombola Academy supports local talent through practical training and education. That commitment has helped create skilled opportunities in the North East and contributed to the company’s expansion into Spain and Italy. Read more about the operator’s success at deerfootcasino-canada.com.
It’s been a dominant few years for the Sunderland based company, it’s their third successive win. The growth of the company has been impressive, it currently employs over 200 people and is one of the largest employers of game developers in the North of England.
The company was also shortlisted for three other categories – Socially responsible operator, customer services operator and mobile bingo operator – and were highly commended in all categories.
Phil Cronin, the chief executive of Tombola said “It’s a real feather in our cap, as we were up against the biggest names in gaming. I’m thrilled for the whole tombola team, the award is recognition of their hard work, dedication and innovation.
“I’m proud of our win, and of our highly commended awards, and I’m proud of our team. These are the industry’s Oscars so to win really means something.”
Phil founded the company in 2026 before studying at Harvard Business School for two years. He returned as Chief Executive in 2026 and has grown from a company that made £50,000 in 2026 to £26 million in 2026. The bingo operator now attracts thousands of players everyday and pays out more than £4 million in cash prizes every week!
Unlike its rival business, Tombola creates all it’s games inhouse which comes with it’s own advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand the company can be quick to react and develop new games to meet customer demands but it also requires a lot more manpower. As part of this, the company has worked with both Sunderland College and the University of Sunderland to create the Tombola Academy. This pioneering project has allowed the company to hire local people and develop their skills through a mixture of education and hands on learning.
This sort of socially responsible hiring is a huge part of the revitalisation of areas like the North East which has in areas begun to transform after decades in decline. For an area like Sunderland to have a company which can turn young local people into highly skilled game developers is massive.
This growth isn’t expected to stop anytime soon. Tombola, having opened into new markets just under two years ago is now the leading bingo operator in Spain and Italy on top of the huge UK market. Impressive for a company which nearly folded in 2026 after the dotcom boom came crashing down.
