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The History Of The Game, And Its Development In The UK - Part 2 - The 1960s In The UK

The 1968 Gaming Act played a major part in the explosion of the popularity of Bingo in the UK in the 1960s and 1970s.

Author: Dio

The Gaming Act And The Golden Age Of Bingo In The UK

From its 20th century American origins, Bingo began to move throughout the states as well as into other regions of the world, marketed as a fun game of chance. Bingo became especially popular in the United Kingdom in the 1960s. There were several events that led to its growing popularity in Britain which happened politically as well as culturally.

The dawn of the golden age for Bingo in the United Kingdom was with the Gaming Act of 1968. This gave several regulations in relation to gaming and gambling. The major rule that was set stated that gaming should be only in public places unless it was authorized as an exception. The second part of this act was that income that came out of gaming would need to be regulated with conditions applied to gaming in the public areas. From this Gaming Act, clubs were able to play cash Bingo with tabletop coin slots as well as provide awards for those playing the game.

The United Kingdom quickly began to build Bingo halls in order to accommodate the new policies as well as capitalise on the increasing popularity of Bingo. A number of people who were interested in Bingo in the UK looked at the Gaming Act as a quick opportunity to open a new business to the public with different card games available.

There was a rapid expansion of opening Bingo halls in the United Kingdom during the late 60s and early 70s. Many of the older cinemas, theatres and dancehalls that were not in use were transformed into shiny new Bingo halls. There were a number of hall who would split the use of the hall with gaming areas and cinema shows in other parts of the building, allowing for them to offer a wide variety of entertainment for different crowds.

The UK also took Bingo and made it fancier for the halls. Instead of drawing paper numbers from a hat, they would take glass cabinets with Bingo blowers to select the numbers, then random number generators. The halls took on the role of cheap and cheerful entertainment for many in the working classes, lured by big money prizes, glitzy decor and community spirit. Glamour and seaside entertainment became part and parcel of the Bingo experience.

Continue to Part 3: The Modern Game And The Future Of Bingo >>

The History Of The Game, And Its Development In The UK - Part 2 - The 1960s In The UK

The Gaming Act And The Golden Age Of Bingo In The UK

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