Bingo halls are being hailed as a solution to the growing issue of social isolation, according to the CEO of the largest bingo chain in the UK. Dominic Mansour, who leads Buzz Bingo (formerly Gala), emphasized that bingo is not just about numbers; it fosters community, connections, and offers a safe space for social interaction.
However, the bingo industry has seen a significant decrease in the number of halls nationwide. Buzz Bingo, which previously had 137 locations, now operates 79 sites due to the impact of the Covid pandemic. Industry-wide, the number of bingo halls has dropped from 335 before Covid to 247 presently, a considerable decline since the smoking ban implementation in 2007 when there were around 635 halls.
This decline aligns with the reduction in pub numbers, which also serve as important social gathering spots. Despite the challenges, Mansour stressed that their venues are vital community hubs, even though the sector has faced operational difficulties for some time.
A survey conducted by the company revealed that almost half of bingo players felt lonely before attending, but nearly two-thirds reported feeling less lonely and more connected after participating in bingo games. The research highlighted the prevalence of loneliness in the UK, affecting nearly 26 million adults occasionally or chronically.
Mansour emphasized the critical role bingo plays in addressing social isolation and supporting overall well-being in light of the loneliness epidemic. Customers like David, Angela, and Brenda shared their experiences of attending bingo sessions, highlighting the social connections and sense of community they enjoy at these venues.
While bingo remains popular among older individuals, especially women, efforts are underway to attract younger players. Despite the challenges, Buzz Bingo has allocated £25 million for investments aimed at refurbishing their venues to enhance the customer experience and increase footfall.
The head of The Bingo Association, Miles Baron, noted that while winning money is a primary motivator for players, social interaction with family and friends ranks closely behind. Amid speculation of potential tax hikes in the gambling sector, concerns have been raised about the impact on bingo operators, with calls to focus on online gambling firms instead.
Mansour expressed concerns that increased taxes on bingo could have devastating effects on the industry, particularly impacting investments in the business. He highlighted the potential challenges that significant tax hikes could pose to the sustainability of bingo operations.
In summary, bingo halls are not only places for entertainment but also serve as important community centers that play a significant role in combating loneliness and fostering social connections among individuals.
