Bingo is seeing a resurgence as a major operator reports the first increase in both attendance and revenue in nearly two decades. Buzz Bingo, with 77 clubs nationwide, experienced a 2.5% growth in numbers last year and a 5% increase in the second half, marking the first simultaneous rise in admissions and sales since 2007.
CEO Dominic Mansour stated, “Bingo is enjoying a real resurgence across the UK,” emphasizing the game’s renewed popularity. Introduced in the 1950s from the US, bingo gained traction in the 1960s when many cinemas were transformed into bingo halls. However, by the 1980s, attendance dwindled with the advent of the National Lottery in 1994 posing a significant competition.
Efforts to revive the industry included technological advancements and transforming bingo nights into vibrant events, leading to reports of a bingo renaissance in recent years. Despite a decline in the number of bingo halls from 335 to around 247 post-Covid, the industry remains profitable, collectively generating approximately £35 million in annual profit.
Buzz Bingo’s club count decreased from 137 pre-pandemic, with some sites experiencing lower admissions. The company, boasting over a million members and close to 100,000 weekly players, noted the impact of technological upgrades and club refurbishments. Improved venues witnessed a 20% rise in admissions and a 50% surge in new customers, resulting in significant weekly winnings both in clubs and online.
Mr. Mansour expressed optimism for further growth in the coming years, attributing success to recent investments. Despite uncertainties surrounding the previous year’s budget, the government’s decision to abolish Bingo Duty was welcomed, emphasizing the importance of a stable regulatory environment for sustained positive momentum.
Research indicates that bingo halls offer a hidden benefit to players, with a poll revealing that two-thirds of attendees felt less lonely after playing, highlighting the social aspect of bingo beyond just a game.