The Bad State of UK Bingo

May 27 - The local Guardian newspaper in the United Kingdom ran an article about the state of the UK bingo industry , showing just how hard the market is struggling because of a number of factors.

According to a study commissioned by the country's Bingo Association last year, over three million people regularly play bingo in halls around the United Kingdom, in a market dominated by Gala and the Rank Group through its Mecca bingo halls.

Unfortunately, high taxation on the industry has severely impacted bingo companies who are struggling to keep their doors open to the public. In the last three years alone, a whopping 100 bingo clubs have been forced to close down and it is predicted that many more will follow suit in the near future. Since the beginning of the year, twelve bingo halls have been forced to admit defeat.

Other factors that influence the sorry state of the UK bingo market include a smoking ban in public places and new gambling legislation which dictates that bingo halls need to reduce the number of profitable jackpot machines on their premises.

While the financial and economical affects on the industry are obvious, the Guardian points out that each bingo hall that closes down also directly impacts social and community elements. The bingo study shows that "for regular members, going out to bingo is the primary, and sometimes only, leisure activity out of the house."

The report continues: "While money is a key trigger to begin playing and remains an important motivation, the drive to play bingo regularly is largely orientated around a need for social interaction and belonging."