Closed Bingo Hall Allowed to Re-Open

Wednesday, March 23th, 2011 - Emily W

In Bessemer, Alabama, bingo halls have been having a hard time. Last year, bingo machines at a Charity Bingo hall were investigated after authorities discovered reason to believe that they were unlawful. The bingo hall was shut down in 2010, but has recently been re-opened. 

Residents in the area are elated at the news. A local newspaper took to the street to interview bingo fans and find out how they feel about the situation. Many players stated that the game was not harmful to individuals or the community and are happy that they can resume playing. 

Other residents noted that former employees will be given their jobs back. In this economy, the closure of bingo halls effects employees in an important way. After losing their jobs, it is often difficult for them to find employment again as the economy is still in bad shape and few jobs are available. 

In the UK, residents continued to be plagued by these effects. Dozens of bingo halls have closed over the past year and many former employees are still struggling to get back on to their feet. The bingo tax and smoking ban have meant hard times for the UK’s land-based bingo industry. However, the only hope of reopening bingo halls would arise if the tax were reduced or the ban were repealed.