Government Makes Bingo Announcement

The British Government has made an announcement that bingo insiders are viewing as something of a lifeline for the industry. Gerry Sutcliffe, Minister for Sport, released a written announcement on Tuesday 24 June that allows bingo clubs to provide four more “B3” gaming machines.

The number of gaming machines allowed in each club was reduced when the Gambling Act came into force in September 2007, and the new announcement means that clubs can now bring the number of machines up to a similar level enjoyed before that time.

Speaking on the day of the announcement, Paul Talboys of the Bingo Association said: “Today’s announcement marks the end of a long and frustrating wait, but the Minister has been supportive and sympathetic to the industry’s situation throughout, and we are grateful for the fact that he has clearly listened to the case we put forward.   He has recognised the valuable role bingo clubs play and taken steps to help secure their future. 

“We believe today’s announcement will go some way to addressing the adverse position bingo operates under and will help ensure that bingo remains part of the social and leisure landscape in the UK.  The Minister and his team at the DCMS have demonstrated that the Government does listen and are prepared to act when presented with a convincing argument.

“Naturally, our hope is that this can be implemented as soon as practicably possible, as the future of many clubs depends upon it.”

26th June 2008