The bingo industry in the UK has been struggling for the past few years due to a combination of excessive taxation and a national smoking ban. Many bingo halls have closed and remaining bingo clubs report a drop on revenue. Bingo is new taxed at 22% while all other forms of gaming are taxed at 15%. The UK is home to approximately 592 bingo clubs scattered across the country and many of these halls are facing closure unless some relief is found.

Now a loose coalition of bingo players and bingo providers are fighting back. Independent bingo clubs are joining forces with larger bingo providers to oppose the new tax on bingo. Many bingo operators are offering players the option to sign online petitions and paper petitions are available at many bingo clubs. Bingo clubs are encouraging bingo players to write their respective MP’s (member of Parliament) and express their opposition to the new tax that threatens their favorite pastime.

The current credit crunch and global recession have also affected attendance at local bingo clubs. Many bingo players are seeking inexpensive home based entertainment have found online bingo a suitable replacement. The recent hike in gas prices in the UK has also hurt business as bingo players avoid transportation costs. The government has also limited the number of high jackpot (£500 ) machines available in local bingo halls.

Many UK bingo players are openly wondering why their government is being so vindictive when it comes to a popular national pastime. One staff Member at a Southport bingo hall said, “I really enjoy working at my club and I am worried that the Government’s attack on Britain’s bingo clubs could lead to me losing my job if our club is forced to close. I find this uncaring attitude very hard to take and they obviously don’t understand how much bingo means to people.” Hopefully Parliament will reconsider the excessive taxation on Bingo in the very near future.