Bingo Hall Closures

Tuesday, February 15th, 2011 - Alfie Williams.

Since the smoking ban was enacted in the UK in 2007, bingo halls have experienced a dire decline in attendance. Numerous bingo halls have shut down in the three years since land-based bingo began its downward spiral, and a new report reveals the exact statistics. 

Over the course of the last five years, over 150 bingo clubs across the UK have been shutdown. In 2010 alone, 25 bingo halls were subject to closures. During the year, the population of bingo players decreased by 50%, with profits dropping to just £125 million (from more than £250 the year before). 

Currently, bingo is the highest taxed form of gambling in the UK, after a recent increase saw the tax rate reach more than 15%. Despite great lobbying efforts from politicians and players, the bingo tax remains the same, discouraging players from taking part in land-based games. If the bingo tax were to be reduced, bingo halls could save on cut backs and players would likely return to the scene. 

In the meantime, online bingo has attracted the players who have left land-based bingo halls. Players can get the same social experience along with the chance to win even bigger cash prizes all from the comfort of their own homes.