Boost Bingo Campaign Heads to Westminster

Land-based bingo halls have been hit hard in the last few years, with the smoking ban, the recession and the increased popularity of online bingo all having a marked effect on business. But there could be good news on the horizon for players and clubs alike. Yesterday, hundreds of bingo fans from all over the UK gathered in the sunshine outside Downing Street to present a petition of over 300,000 signatures as part of the Boost Bingo campaign to cut tax on bingo.

Unfair tax

Currently bingo clubs pay a huge 20% duty on earnings from bingo, compared with the 15% tax payable on other forms of gambling such as horse racing and poker. The Boost Bingo petition is campaigning for Chancellor George Osborne to bring bingo duty in line with this, by cutting duty by 5%. As we all know, bingo is a fun and social game. Even the government recognises it as a ‘soft’ gambling option. So why is it being penalised? According to Boost Bingo, clubs are closing at the rate of one a month, leading to widespread job losses. Bingo halls have been an important part of British culture for over fifty years and play key roles in communities nationwide, as sources of friendship and entertainment as a fun place to enjoy a game of bingo. 

Future investment

The Boost Bingo campaign, run by the Bingo Association, was launched in January of this year and quickly gathered support. Mecca and Gala, the two biggest bingo hall operators in the country, have joined the Association’s campaign and £30 million of investment in the industry has been promised if the Gross Profits Tax (GPT) is reduced to 15%. This would enable new clubs to open, creating crucial employment. The campaign has been championed by a group of 54 MPs who are urging George Osborne to act now before the industry declines further. If a move to 15% GPT on bingo earnings is announced in next month’s budget, it could be the beginning of a much brighter future for Britain’s beloved bingo halls. With many on the brink of closure or in need of regeneration, the 5% cut could ensure their survival.

Number Ten, David’s Den

Yesterday’s gathering outside the Houses of Parliament ahead of the petition hand-in was joined by MP Robert Halfon, Conservative MP for Harlow. Mr Halfon visited his local branch of Mecca Bingo on Valentine’s Day this year, where he was tasked with breaking open a heart-shaped piñata full of sweets as part of a charity fundraiser! He talked about supporting the Boost Bingo campaign towards ‘a fair level of taxation’ and was pictured with supporters at Westminster yesterday. MPs argue that the estimated £20million cost of implementing the cut would easily be recouped by the £300million in additional revenue the Treasury would raise from the proposed tax on online gambling. For now, the future of the UK’s bingo halls may hang in the balance, but yesterday’s presentation showed one thing is certain. Bingo fans turned out in force to show support for their local clubs, proving that the national affection for the game is here to stay.

The Boost Bingo campaign needs your help! The petition is still live, so if you want to support your local bingo hall, head over to the Boost Bingo site and take a few minutes of your time to see what the campaign is all about. Click below to add your signature now!