Bingo-ing To Bingo?

In an era of electronic and online pleasures, many still find bingo appealing.

17:18 05 January 2016

Contrary to popular beliefs that bingo has already been forgotten, Simon Sykes, CEO of Gala Bingo said: “there is no chance of this industry dying. We are very much alive, kicking, and ready to grow.”

 

In an era of state-of-the-art gadgets and high speed Internet access, bingo has somehow managed to find its place in the modern world. Proof is the statistics confirming that UK clubs still receive 45 millions visits per year. Also, survey reveals that the game’s followers are getting younger every year.

 

Because of its popularity, a brand-new 1,000-seat venue will open this year in Southampton. It features sofa seats, music, and the ambiance of a nightclub.

 

In one of the bingo halls in Nottingham, players can be seen chatting or texting while keeping one eye on the bingo. They can even play on an electronic tablet, which automatically keeps track of the numbers.

 

"It's a shush-free environment, where music and talk is allowed," says Stuart Colthart, Mecca Bingo's area manager.

"You get quite a good buzz in here."

 

One of the players, 28-year-old Chris Norman said: "This is my second night this week.” Meanwhile, his sister, Lisa, who was with him, said: "I don't know if it's cool, but most of the people in here are not old.”

 

"We get up to 10 people round the table on someone's birthday. It's a whole family thing."