‘Save Our Bingo’ Campaign Gathers Pace

Government Support Required!

Scotland, Wales, England and Northern Ireland, the four nations that make up Great Britain are struggling – big style, especially when it comes to managing to stay afloat. We are almost a year into a global pandemic that nobody could have predicted and while companies are being bailed out left right and centre, there is one industry that seems to have been overlooked – the bingo industry, and now Scottish bingo clubs are calling on the government to step in and help out!

The media are reporting a large-scale issue within the industry and unless it gets some sort of government bail-out, it could end up on its knees. Small independent clubs are among those crying for help, including Buzz Bingo, some of which were told closure was needed for just 6-weeks and here they are 10-months later, still waiting to open their doors.

Forget Rishi Sunak’s Eat Out to Help Out, they’re calling on them to step up and step in, and pressure is mounting with this new ‘save Scottish bingo’ initiative. Regional director Clive Newton said: “Our clubs are at the heart of communities and for many, visiting Buzz Bingo is a way to stay in touch and socialise with friends and family – it’s a real lifeline for people and something many miss terribly at the moment.”

“We’re calling on the Scottish Government to help support the bingo industryin the same way they’ve supported other hospitality and entertainment businesses; we want to ensure that when the world returns to normal, bingo clubs are able to reopen and welcome the community back once more.”

Something Really is Nothing

Bingo operators have been able to claim closure grants (a freebie) in-line with other businesses throughout the UK, only £3K a month is chump change in a sector that has estimated to have lost some £80 million in revenue in less than a year! And, add to that rumours of even more unemployment (by up to 1,000) and you’ve a real problem on your hands.

The Bingo Association in Scotland has revealed while they may be entitled to a small monthly payment, this is not sector-specific, highlighting that other industries within the hospitality and entertainment sector have had their own budget – they haven’t, despite being branded the same. Remember, restrictions were imposed on pubs, restaurants, on table service and alcohol – all four are to do with bingo too.

Its chief executive, Miles Baron, said: “All we are asking is that the Scottish Government levels the playing field and grants us the same support that our friends and colleagues in hospitality, cinemas and nightclubs have received. Bingo clubs contribute significantly not only to our local economy, but also to communities where they provide schemes intended to address social isolation.”

“It’s extremely difficult to explain to our valued customers and employees why their pastime and job is seemingly of less importance than other entertainment and hospitality businesses, many of whom have received significant funding.”

A new campaign website asking for customer support states…

… “The future of bingo in Scotland is at risk and we need your help to save it. Bingo has been a mainstay of Scottish cultural life since the 1960s; many of our predominantly female customers see it as their main opportunity for a good night out, and a place they feel safe to visit. It is devasting to say that the future of this great cultural institution is at risk of collapse – some bingo clubs, particularly small independent operators, simply cannot survive this pandemic without additional financial support and may have no choice but to close their doors for good.”

Source: “Bingo Clubs Launch Appeal for Funding”. MSN. January 21, 2021.