Land Based Bingo players might soon have to make the journey to online bingo if the land based industry continues to struggle as it seems to be doing in recent times.
Bingo Companies Cut Back
In recent financial reports as well as comments to the media, both the Rank Group who run Mecca Bingo and Gala Coral who run Gala Bingo halls around the country have commented on challenges facing land-based bingo halls.
Mecca Bingo has pointed out that a hot summer had played its part as well as the purchasing of 19 Casinos from Gala Coral. Gala Coral MD Simon Wykes went even further painting a picture for potential buyers of Gala Corals proposed selloff of some of its Bingo halls.
He pointed out the fact that returns are better in other industries in comparison to land based bingo as VAT was not refundable on any of the investments made on buildings.
Bingo Tax Regime Unfair
He also mentioned that unless the tax regime on Bingo halls changed, Bingo players would be left with far fewer bingo halls to play at moving forward.
The Tax battle with regards to Bingo Halls has been going on for a long time so it seems likely that these closures will now go ahead. What is remarkable is a Director of a Company selling products has warned potential investors of the pitfalls.
Land Based Bingo has sustained and created communities across the United Kingdom but just as with all things change has come.
With a change comes new methods and new habits are created and as unlikely as it seems, online bingo games might be the new land based bingo.