UK Gambling Minister Gerry Sutcliffe recently addressed the Bingo Association’s AGM and is reportedly set to introduce measures aimed at helping land-based bingo clubs over the next few weeks.

The news has already been reflected in an increase in the shares of the Mecca Bingo chain, the land bingo operation owned by major gaming industry company Rank.
It is being speculated that the measures could include reducing restrictions currently placed on gaming machines found in many bingo clubs.  The industry is, however, still under pressure due to a double tax on bingo games and a UK-wide smoking ban.
However, land bingo is unlikely to see relief from the double tax burden which sees bingo clubs paying VAT of 17.5% and then a gross profits tax of 15% on all bingo participation fees.
Land bingo’s problems have been contrasted by the growth being experienced by its online bingo counterpart industry which has seen many traditional bingo players choose to play bingo online.  Rank’s Mecca Bingo chain operates a very successful online bingo hall which has remained a favourite choice for many online bingo players.

Tags: bingo, bingo association, bingo clubs, mecca bingo, online bingo players, UK Gambling

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