Government steps in to help bingo
26th June, 2008
The government has answered the call for help from the bingo industry by allowing bingo halls to increase the number of £500 jackpot slot machines allowed, from four to eight.
Although this is a small step that could have a positive impact on the industry, bingo operators actually wanted the number to increase to 16. This cry for help comes from the industry after seeing, over the last four years, a 15% decline of bingo clubs.
“Bingo clubs also play a crucial role in many communities, and we want to see that continue,” said Gerry Sutcliffe, gambling minister. “For some people, especially older and retired women, bingo is their main leisure pursuit. It is therefore of great concern that nearly 100 bingo clubs have closed in the last four years. I’m confident that allowing a small increase in bingo clubs...will provide much-needed help to struggling clubs without putting public protection at risk. I hope to implement these plans by the end of the year.”
Many in the industry are not so happy with the governments help, claiming that it isn’t enough. Sutcliffe completely rejected "significantly" increasing the number of £500 machines or the addition of higher-prize machines, which are guaranteed to increase revenue.
“The government has taken far too long to reveal its hand, only to come up with a pathetic response to the industry’s troubles,” said Don Foster, spokesman for Liberal Democrat culture. “With nearly 100 bingo clubs having closed since 2005, costing the exchequer over £150 million, it seems bizarre that the government is not willing to do more to tackle this problem.”
Many in the government are worried about meeting all of the bingo industry’s demands because they don’t want bingo halls opening that are in reality just slots casinos. Increasing the number of machines could attract the wrong kind of business, some have said.
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