It seems that bingo is as popular as ever. While the taxation battle goes on between the Bingo Association and the government, elsewhere, outside the industry, the game continues to be played at community centres, church halls, and other institutions.
When it comes to fun, and fundraising, bingo along with quizzes is always there on the list of potential events to bring people from the community together. Tonight at Hereford United Football Club there will be a bingo night at their starlight rooms to raise funds for the youth team.
Across the country in Plymouth, the Mainstone Community Centre will be starting a weekly bingo game on every Wednesday, the idea being to get local people socialising, and having a bit of fun.
These are just two examples of small bingo games being held, as aside from the games being played at ‘proper’ bingo halls, there are probably thousands of games being played across the country at all sorts of venues every week.
So, why do these various organisations choose bingo? Firstly, a game of bingo is relatively easy to arrange and does not require any costly equipment, although without a license cash prizes are not going to be on offer. The prizes often come in the form or gifts donated by local businesses which also keeps the costs down.
Secondly, and most importantly, bingo is fun! Every player inwardly wants to win a prize, but when it comes down to it, the ‘craic’ is what it’s all about. Sporting events are great, but not everyone is up for physical exertion, so bingo is usually a winner when it comes to getting people together.
And here it comes…yes, this article is actually about supporting one of the UK’s cultural treasures, bingo, the ‘people’s game’. If the industry does eventually collapse, bingo will still be played in various small unofficial venues, but it would be great to let people continue to play their favourite game in a venue with proper facilities whilst at the same time keeping workers in jobs.
Please show your support for the bingo industry by signing the Bingo Association’s campaign to reduce the unfair taxation here.
