Bingo halls are being praised for their role in addressing a widespread issue of social isolation, as stated by the head of the largest bingo chain in the UK.
Dominic Mansour, the CEO of Buzz Bingo (formerly known as Gala), emphasized that bingo is not just about numbers on a card but fosters community, connections, and offers a safe environment for social interaction.
Despite the positive impact, there has been a significant drop in the number of bingo halls nationwide. Buzz Bingo, for example, has reduced its sites from 137 to 79 since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, with attendance figures still below pre-pandemic levels.
The overall bingo hall count in the industry has dwindled from 335 before Covid-19 to 247 at present, a stark contrast to the approximately 635 establishments in operation when the smoking ban was introduced in 2007. This decline mirrors the diminishing number of pubs, which also serve as important social gathering spots.
Mansour highlighted that their venues serve as vital community hubs, acknowledging the challenging operating environment the sector has faced in recent years. A survey conducted by the company revealed that nearly half of bingo players felt lonely before attending, but a significant majority left feeling more connected and less lonely.
Recent research indicates that a substantial portion of the UK population, nearly 26 million adults, experience feelings of loneliness occasionally, frequently, or persistently. Approximately 3.8 million individuals suffer from chronic loneliness, where they feel lonely on a regular basis.
Mansour emphasized the critical role bingo plays in combating the loneliness epidemic, particularly in supporting social interaction and well-being across the nation.
Visitors like David Chatfield, a 68-year-old cleaner who travels from Guildford to a Buzz Bingo location in Feltham, echoed the sentiment of finding companionship and enjoyment through bingo. Similarly, Angela Freebury, a full-time carer, shared her positive experiences of socializing at the bingo club.
While bingo traditionally attracts older individuals, particularly women, efforts are being made to engage a younger audience. Despite these efforts, challenges remain, with many venues in need of refurbishment and facing financial strains.
The Bingo Association’s CEO, Miles Baron, highlighted the dual appeal of bingo for players – the chance to win money and the opportunity to socialize with loved ones. However, economic pressures, such as increased national insurance and minimum wage costs, have impacted operators’ profits.
Speculation about potential tax hikes on gambling operators in the upcoming Budget raises concerns for the industry. While some advocate for focusing on online gambling firms, others, including former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, suggest using increased tax revenues to address societal issues like child poverty. Mansour expressed concerns that higher taxes could severely impact the industry’s viability.
In conclusion, the positive impact of bingo in fostering social connections and combating loneliness is evident, but the sector faces challenges that require strategic measures to sustain its operations and community contributions.