The Monumental Success of Mecca Bingo

Have they pulled our favourite traditional past time into the 21^st century?

Mecca Bingo is one of the big guns, one of those names that absolutely everybody has heard of because they have been around since before online gaming even existed. With their background in the traditional game, their enormous success is extremely encouraging to other sites and it shows that the move from traditional hall based gaming to the online market is more than possible. What’s more, you can even combine the two and reap the rewards of both markets.

The Latest Stats

The latest statistics from Mecca’s parent company The Rank Group have been hugely encouraging. Despite being in an economic slump, especially for those in the gaming industry, Rank has posted profits and attributed much of their success to their online arm. Profits are reported as being up by 9% thanks to many factors but notably the success of Mecca Bingo online. Statistics have revealed that one fifth of the brand’s revenue is now made online or from mobile devices, which shows the huge success of the online element of the brand. Increased spending on marketing for the brand has obviously played a contributory factor but it’s also showing that they have a strong and defined presence in the online market.

From Small Acorns

Mecca Bingo halls have been ever present on British high streets and are a brand that everyone feels at home with. This has got to be part of the reason behind their online success but it also means players are still comfortable to keep going back to their local hall. Bingo remains a hugely popular past time but younger players often prefer to play from the comfort of their own home rather than down the local hall, this is something the company has worked furiously to change.

Although they don’t want to drive traffic from their own website, the team behind Mecca has recognised the need to make their land based sites more appealing. The redevelopment and rebranding of many sites began in the last couple of years and has led to a much younger demographic visiting these newly designed outlets. New features of the leisure centre styled Mecca clubs are found under the After Dark moniker, which appeals to and targets a much younger audience of players who are looking for more from their night out at the bingo hall.

Bingo after Dark

Bingo after Dark features three brand new games which are designed to appeal to players significantly younger than your average octogenarian land-based hall customer. After Dark Mecca fun kicks off after the main session has ended, after 9.30pm and ensures a night that’s a little bit different than your average gaming experience.

First up is Bin-Glo, a unique glow-in-the-dark bingo experience complete with fitting lighting and sound. The Mecca team recommend you let your hair down, dress up in your finest rave gear and give it a good go.

Next is Rock and Roll Bingo where you can sing along with your favourite tunes as you poise your dabber. Completely free to play with prizes to be won this has been a huge hit and runs ‘til late in the evening at selected halls on Fridays.

Finally, they have even branched out into casino games with their own Monday night Poker League. Perhaps this is an attempt to draw in more male players? We can’t be sure but it’s been a huge success and adds yet another string to the ever-growing Mecca Bingo bow.

What’s next For Mecca?

All signs are suggesting that the next place for bingo to go is mobile and Mecca already have their fingers in that pie. As more and more people have access to smartphone technology, the growth of mobile gaming is bound to sky rocket and Mecca is already there with their fully developed and designed mobile app meaning their players can already access their favourite bingo games on the go.

As we’ve unfortunately seen the demise of many traditional halls, many independent but some larger companies too, it’s great to see a brand like Mecca going from strength to strength. Where they go next is anybody’s guess but we’re sure they’ll continue to fight for the top spot as the most popular all-round bingo gaming provider in the UK.