Ninety-six percent of bingo players have won at some point while playing.
Research shows women are much happier playing bingo, and 15% say they engage in bingo for socializing and companionship.
The number one reason for playing bingo is enjoyment -- winning money comes in fifth.
It is believed that our current day bingo originated from an Italian Lottery called Lo Giuoco del Lotto d'Italia in 1530.
A toy salesman, Edwin S. Lowe, brought bingo to the masses with "Lowe's Bingo." The game saved his newly-founded toy company, the E.S. Lowe Company.
Bingo debuted in America in 1930 and by 1934 there were an estimated 10,000 bingo games a week in churches and recreation centers.
new York claim to have held the largest bingo game in history it was played with 60,000 players -- with 10,000 being turned away at the door.
American mathematics professor Carl Leffler is reported to have gone insane after coming up with 6,000 bingo cards with non-repeating number groups.
There are 1,474,200 unique bingo cards possible in the 75 ball version of the game.
The first bingo game to raise money was played at a church in America.
75 Ball Bingo
Bingo rules and payouts vary from place to place, but the general rules are this: Players obtain bingo cards with numbers on them in a 5 x 5 grid corresponding to the five letters in the word BINGO. Numbers are drawn at random out of a possible 75 in the form of letter-number, such as B-11 or O-68, until one player completes the stated bingo pattern, such as a line with five numbers in a vertical, horizontal or diagonal row.
Popular online bingogames include Three-Eyed Bingo and The Bingo Zone. If you like bingo, you may also enjoy Frantic Fish.
Anatomy of a Bingo Card
A bingo card is a grid that contains 24 numbered spaces and one free space. The numbers are assigned at random on each card and are arranged in five columns of five numbers each by five rows, including the blank square in the center of the grid.
The numbers in the B column range from 1 to 15; the I column ranges from 16 to 30; the N column ranges from 31 to 45; the G column ranges from 46 to 60; and the O column ranges from 61 to 75.
Bingo History
Bingo made its way to America via a carnival pitchman touring Germany. There he came across a lottery game and recognized its potential appeal as a carnival tent game. He made a few revisions to the game play, including allowing players to complete a row vertically, horizontally or diagonally in order to win. And he changed the name to Beano.
He was plying his trade one December evening in 1929 at a carnival near Atlanta, Georgia, when a traveling toy salesman, Edwin S. Lowe, happened along. Early for a sales call, Lowe decided to stop at the carnival. The only tent open was the Beano tent, which was so crowded with people that Lowe wasn't able to play the game for himself.
Lowe watched as the players eagerly listened for the next number to be called and, if they had the number on their card, covered it with a bean. The excitement and tension in the crowd was palpable. When a player finally had a row covered, they yelled out "Beano!" Lowe watched in astonishment as the pitchman tried several times to close his tent, only to have the players insist he continue. It wasn't until 3:00 am that the games ended, and even then the pitchman had to chase the players away.
Lowe immediately realized the mass market potential for Beano. Upon his return to his home in New York, he created his own Beano game by procuring some beans, cardboard and a rubber number stamp. He invited friends to his apartment to play the game. There he saw the same rapt attention and excitement that he had witnessed at the carnival. One player in particular was growing ever more excited as the beans piled up on her card. When she finally had a complete row, in her rush to yell out the required "Beano," she became tongue tied and instead stammered, "B-b-bingo!"
"I cannot describe the strange sense of elation which that girl's cry brought to me," Lowe said. "All I could think of was that I was going to come out with this game, and it was going to be called Bingo!"
Lowe's earliest Bingo games came in two varieties: a 12-card set that cost a dollar and a 24-card set that cost two dollars. Although the name "Bingo" could have been trademarked, the game itself, having come out of the public domain, had no chance of being protected. Once the success of Lowe's game was evident, imitators came out of the woodwork. Lowe's only request to his competitors was for them to pay him a dollar a year to call their games "Bingo." Thus the name became generic for the game
UK BINGO NEWS:
More than 230,000 people across the
country signed the petition to urge
the Government to Stop Destroying
My Bingo. Following receipt of more than
380 completed petitions in 17 boxes from
clubs across the country, the process of
compiling results got under way, logging the
number of signatures delivered by each and
every single club.
The petition was delivered to 10 Downing
Street on Tuesday 24 April and was handed
over by Association Chairman Sir Peter Fry,
Rank Chief Executive Ian Burke and three
generations of one bingo-playing family -
grandmother Iris McNeill and mother and
daughter Heather and Carly Richards. It took
four trollies and all available hands to make this
very special delivery.
Following the handover of the petition, the
campaign concentrated on further local and
national political engagement, contacting every
MP with a bingo club in their constituency, to
notify them of the petition's delivery and the
number of their constituents that had
participated. Clubs were also provided with
a draft letter to send to their local MP,
reiterating the number of local players who
had signed the petition and inviting MPs to
visit the club.
The central message of the campaign has
remained consistent, calling on Government to
remove VAT from bingo, which in conjunction
with other Government policies, is placing up to
200 clubs under threat of closure.
The campaign and the supporting issues
have been well reported in both broadcast
media and press producing more than
£500,000 worth of media coverage.
A number of stories in the media have also
focused on the unique position that bingo holds
in communities, highlighting the social
significance of bingo for many players and the
role of clubs as a key community facility.
The campaign and attendant media and
lobbying activity has produced interest and
support from a number of MPs who have
recognised the significance of bingo, both
locally and nationally, and the inequitable plight
that the industry faces.
Led by John Hemming, the MP for
Birmingham Yardley, an Early Day Motion
has been put down, with MPs now being
called upon to support it and force the issue
to be debated.
Bingo remains one of the most highly taxed
gambling activities and the industry is awaiting
constructive input from the Government to
address the unfair tax anomaly. Taxing bingo
in the same way as other gambling activities
would help prevent closure of clubs and
enable the industry to more readily face its
challenges and a brighter future under the new
Gambling Act.
AGM 2007 report Legislation Bingo for Breakthrough
Gaming Act latest Meet Midge the monkey
The only magazine produced for the UK Bingo Industry Issue 78 July 2007
Encouraging outlook for online
BINGOLINK
Heather Richards, Ian
Burke, Carly Richards
and Iris McNeill at 10
Downing Street
Sir Peter Fry,
chairman of The
Bingo Assocation,
wheels the
completed
petitions down
Downing Street
A special delivery for No. 10
news
The National Game
2
Diary
Dates
BINGOLINK is published by The Bingo Association, Lexham
House, 75 High Street North, Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU6 1JF.
Tel: 01582 860921. Fax: 01582 860925.
Email: bingolink@bingo-association.co.uk
Editor: Steve Baldwin
Produced by Associa Ltd, North Gate, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9PL.
Tel: 01572 824600. Email: (editorial) christine.moss@associa.co.uk
Email: (advertising) Wendy Rose: sales@rose-media.co.uk
Tel: 01427 668662.
Reproduction in whole or part is strictly prohibited without the permission of the publishers.
Views expressed are not necessarily those of The Bingo Association or Associa Ltd. Prices
and information correct at date of publication but subject to change.
Quarterly news and update from Chief Executive Paul Talboys
Summer 2007 brings the final
introduction of a ban on smoking
in public places. We are used to a
slow-down at this time of year,
however, the smoking ban looks
set to drive those figures lower
than in previous summers.
The ban is here to stay and the
industry must look to the future.
Throughout bingo's history in the
UK we have faced change and
always moved forward, evolving
and adapting. The largest change
was in 1986, when The Bingo Act
made the creation of the National
Bingo Game possible. It is
therefore apt that as the National
Game turns 21 and comes of age
that the challenges of change are
again very much with us.
Bingo is set to operate under
a new regime, as the 2005
Gambling Act comes into effect
on 1 September. While some of
the freedoms explored and
anticipated under the new act
failed to materialise, benefits have
arisen, the most significant being
the ability to retain stake. This,
and the opportunity it offers the
licensed bingo industry, is vital to
our future and development, for it
will enable the industry to create
substantial prize funds, the like of
which have not been seen before,
and allow us to offer customers a
more exciting proposition.
The development of new
software (JLS) to enable the
industry to take advantage of
stake retention, at various levels,
is being rolled out to all NBGA
members for testing in August
and use in September. As the
legislation does not come into
effect till 1 September, full live
testing is not legally possible
before this.
The software will enable the
National Game to offer players a
new and exciting cumulative
jackpot that is an add-on to their
National Game purchase. The
game will have four levels of prize
fund to be won each time the
National Game is played, the
largest of which is likely to reach
more than £5 million - the largest
ever single prize in UK licensed
bingo! It is essential that the name
of the new game immediately and
simply conveys it is the biggest
prize in bingo and is part of the
National Game. The name must
also reflect the fun nature of bingo
and the humour of bingo
culture - something that the
working title of Golden Balls has
not quite captured!
In introducing the new game to
club staff and players there is a
huge task ahead of us, which will
start for clubs later this month and
begin with players in late August.
Your existing customers will be
able to play for free, for a
two-week period, before a
national launch on 15 September,
from which date players will be
required to pay to play. Prize
money during the free period will
be at a much reduced level, but
the offer allows us to introduce the
new game to existing customers,
using to of their all time favourite
words - FREE and Cash.
The new game is a very
exciting opportunity for the
industry and there will be a
substantial amount of
communication coming from the
NBGA and its agencies, as we
work to prepare for introduction
and launch. Tme is against us,
and to ensure that your club is
ready for the biggest thing in
bingo, it is essential that
information and materials are not
lost, but read and acted upon.
January February March
Consumer press 4 9 12
Electronic media 16 43 74
National press 7 18 34
Regional press 114 139 112
TOTAL 269 222 302
Quarter 1 total: 638 Year to date: 638
Number of press hits by month
Ignoring electronic media, which by its nature is available nationally, the
regions delivering the most coverage for January, February and March were
Scotland and Northern Region - joint at 14 per cent - the North West Region
and Scotland, respectively.
National Bingo Game Regional Press Office 01438 718500
National Bingo Game National Press Team 020 7553 3700
July
Ban on smoking in public
places now effective in all
parts of the UK.
September 1
The Gambling Act 2005
comes into effect
www.gambling
commission.gov.uk
October 21-27
Bingo For
Breakthrough 2007
www.breakthrough.org.uk
November 13-15
Global Gaming
Expo (G2E)
The Convention Centre
Las Vegas
www.globalgamingexpo.com
Please remember to notify us of
your events so we can include
them here. Email us at
bingolink@bingo-asociation.co.uk
Looking to the future
NB: Key game statistics can be found on page 11.
Bingo in the media
As is usually the case in the first month of a new year, bingo kept a
low-ish profile in the media during January, but rose rapidly in February
and March, to give an exceptionally high showing. A significant amount of
this rise was due to increased activity by the Association and operators in
relation to lobbying issues.
The most significant change in monthly media coverage as we move
into 2007 has been the type of media delivering the coverage. Regional
daily and weekly papers continue to be a primary source of coverage,
delivering some 60 to 75 per cent of each month's total. However, it
is the growth in coverage from electronic media that has shown the
biggest change. Twelve months ago electronic media only accounted
for 10 to15 per cent of total coverage in any month and already now
stands at 20 per cent.
news
3
Gala had a good laugh and
raised more than
£220,000 for Comic
Relief in March this year.
Gala Bingo in all its forms -
club, online and TV - worked hard
earlier this year to raise funds for
Comic Relief 2007. In total, more
than £222,000 was raised towards
the national total of £63 million by
playing dedicated Comic Relief
games and by hosting a wide
range of humorous events across
the UK. Managers of three West
Yorkshire clubs dressed up as
chickens for a sponsored cycle,
Cumbernauld's manager was
auctioned off as a cleaner and
Leicester's manager was 'gunged'
on stage in his club.
For added excitement,
galabingo.co.uk's very own Sharon
Osbourne was on hand to lend
her support when she hosted the
first dedicated Comic Relief bingo
game, which helped to raise the
impressive sum. Sharon Osbourne
commented: 'I love bingo; what's
more I'm a huge supporter of
Comic Relief, which plays an
important role in helping transform
the lives of people living with
poverty and social injustice.
Thanks to all of you who joined in
the game and helped raise these
much needed funds.'
Comic Relief 2007's main focus
was mental health, which affects
one in four people. Although 60
per cent of Comic Relief funds are
going to be used in Africa, the
remainder is spent here in the UK,
aiding nearly 6,000 projects.
Colin Morgan, Gala Coral
Group's CSR Manager, said: 'We
are very proud of all our members
and staff who really got behind the
cause. Comic Relief plays such an
important worldwide role in the
battle against poverty and our
members and staff helped raise a
significant amount of money.
We would like to thank all who
took part for their support
and generosity.'
PJ party at
Belle Vue
It's hard to
concentrate
in pyjamas
and gunge The Keighley News highlights the
chickens sponsored cycle ride
Gala has a good laugh
and boosts Comic Relief
news
4
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Alternatively, you can subscribe from the website at
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bingolink@bingo-association.co.uk
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BINGOLINK
Subscribe to
They may not have had to
go through a 12-week,
televised interview with
Sir Alan Sugar to get the job,
but Mecca employees have
stepped into the spotlight
to tell the world what the
words 'you're hired' has
meant to them.
A number of Mecca
employees have taken part
in a short Best Employers
documentary about the company,
which has just been released
as a DVD on the cover of the
official Apprentice magazine
and is accompanied by a
full-page feature on the
Rank Group.
The stars from Mecca were
Simon Smiley, general
manager at Wandsworth;
Damian Smith, general
manager at Bedford, where
some of the filming took place;
Wood Green general manager,
Thuran Sanmagudas;
and general manager
Claire Wilson, who
gives a personal
account on combining
working for Mecca
and having a family.
'Being involved in this
documentary and The Apprentice
magazine has not only been a
great opportunity to highlight the
training and development
opportunities at Mecca but it
also gives us a very professional
video that we can use in the
future,' said Yvette Bloxham-
Smith, head of resourcing and
development at Rank.
Mecca is one of six
companies featured and the
magazine is on sale at bigger
branches of WH Smith, Borders,
Selfridges and Harrods. It is also
being distributed through hotels,
health and fitness clubs and
through universities.
Simon Smiley Damien Smith Thuran Sanmugadas Claire Wilson
The Mecca Apprentices
Yvette
Bloxham-Smith
news
5
Search for a star!
This year's search for the
NBGA Bingo Caller of the
Year is now well under
way. Initial entries have been
assessed, with more than 60
contestants already having been
asked to prepare their individual
video submissions showing
them hard at work.
Once all video submissions
have been received, the
competition judges, Steve Baldwin
and Gloria Pattinson, will review
and assess every individual video,
following which 30 contestants will
be identified and invited to attend
one of six regional finals. The
standard of video entries gets
higher and higher each year, with
some worthy of full production
credits as you would see at the
end of a commercial film.
All the current NBGA regional
bingo calling champions, who
represented their regions in last
year's national final, will be invited
to defend their titles against the
new regional contenders, so
each heat is sure to be both
interesting and entertaining.
The regional finals, while
nerve racking for
contestants, are always
great fun and the clubs
chosen to host each event
do their utmost to bring a
superb sense of occasion to
each regional final. Banners,
balloons and bubbly are often
the order for the day, with a fair
measure of cabaret celebration
and clowning around thrown in for
good luck. It certainly is an event
that shouldn't be missed.
Amid the camaraderie and fun,
there is also strong rivalry and
more than a little tension between
the regional finalists. Each
contestant will be interviewed
privately by the judges, who will be
joined by the current national
champion, Brett Hyrjak, before
they take their place centre stage,
in front of players, to demonstrate
their individual showmanship and
calling skills.
Coaches of visiting players are
always welcome at each regional
final; so if some of your customers
would like to enjoy a great day
out, play some bingo, be
entertained and see if their choice
matches that of the judges, check
out the venues below and contact
the club manager to make
arrangements to accommodate
your party.
No doubt each of these club
managers and their teams are
already planning how to put on the
best event and win the Best
Regional Final Award. In 2006 the
award went to Mecca Hartlepool,
who pulled out all the stops with
jugglers and fire eaters.
Results of each final and news
of the day's proceedings will be
posted on the National Bingo
Game website at
www.nationalbingo.co.uk
North West Wednesday 19 Sept Mecca Club, Bolton, Lancashire
North East Thursday 20 Sept Gala Club, Wallsend, Newcastle
Midlands Tuesday 25 Sept BJs, Kitts Green, Birmingham
South Wednesday 26 Sept Point Bingo, Bracknell, Berkshire
Wales Thursday 18 Oct Castle Club, Usk Way, Newport
Scotland Thursday 25 Oct Carlton Club, East Kilbride, Glasgow
National Bingo Caller of the Year 2007
Brett Hyrjak
2006 winner
Karl Seth
2005 winner
Mandy Gargan
2004 winner
National Bingo Caller of the Year 2007 Regional finals:
news
6
Preparations for Bingo for
Breakthrough 2007 are
now full steam ahead.
This year's mascot, Midge the
Monkey, was formally
introduced at The Bingo
Association AGM in April, where
she was given a warm welcome.
Midge will be swinging into
clubs this Bingo for
Breakthrough week, between 21
and 28 October, and we are sure
your customers will love her!
2007 fundraising has already
kicked off, with two Mecca
managers undertaking a two-week
fundraising rally. During the two
weeks they will visit all 103 Mecca
clubs, from Aberdeen to Exeter
and will be conducting a UK-scale
game of pass the parcel!
This pass the parcel concept
involves picking up a fantastic,
one-off gift, such as a signed
football shirt or pampering day at
a spa, from each club and then
leaving it with the next club that
they visit. Each parcel/gift will then
be auctioned off at charity event
nights. The managers, Louise and
Jack, are hoping to raise
an incredible £20,000 through
their tour.
In March, previous Bingo for
Breakthrough award winners were
invited to a tour of the
Breakthrough Research Centre
in London.
The afternoon was a great
success and an opportunity for
key supporters to see where the
£2.25 million raised for
Breakthrough to date is being
spent. It was clear from the tour,
and the distances people travelled
to attend, how committed clubs
and staff are to supporting the
breast cancer cause.
Big Tick award for B4B
We are thrilled to
announce that
once again, The
Bingo Association's
partnership with
Breakthrough Breast
Cancer has been awarded
the prestigious Business in the
Community Big Tick award for
excellence.
These are the leading national
awards for responsible
business practice in the UK.
This is the third consecutive
year that Bingo for Breakthrough
has been recognised and it is
down to the dedication of club
staff and customers nationwide. A
list of all winners was published in
The Financial Times in May. To find
out more about the awards, visit
www.bitc.org.uk.
All companies that participated
in last year's fundraising are
entitled to use the 'Big Tick' logo
on their headed paper and
corporate communications
material. For further information
and to obtain a copy of the
artwork, please contact Lucy
Anderson at Breakthrough Breast
Cancer 020 7025 2498.
Bingo for Breakthrough 2007
- success on the horizon
Under the new Gambling
Act 2005, all bingo clubs
have a duty to 'promote
social responsibility'. This has
seen major companies investing
thousands of pounds in
developing policies and
producing appropriate notices.
BiAS Tech has produced an
alternative suitable for smaller clubs
with its Social Responsibility Pack
containing the notices and
literature needed, for both staff and
customers, to meet legal
obligations under the new Act. The
pack can be personalised to show
a company's logo. It includes staff
room instructional posters,
Help to meet new duty
on social responsibility
customer notices, customer leaflets
and holders, a self-exclusion policy,
a customer monitoring file and
'business card' size information
cards, with dispensers, for use in
secluded areas, such as toilets.
Mark Batup of BiAS Tech says:
'We hope the pack will prove to be
the answer to the bingo industry's
wishes for some clarification and
simplification of this complicated
new section of the Gambling Act. It
combines the convenience of a
"one-stop shop" solution with great
value for money at £299 a pack.'
For details, visit BiAS Tech's
website at www.biastech.com or
call 0118 978 2272.
Breakthrough Cancer said thanks
to previous award winners when
they toured its Research Centre
news
7
It's an Expo thing
Reed Exhibitions, the
organiser of the world
renowned Global
Gaming Expo in Las Vegas, is
the global leader in gaming
expo events.
In 2006 Reed took over the
Asian Gaming Expo, re-branded it
G2E Asia, and gave the new show
its first outing in June this year.
Taking place at the Macau
Convention Centre on 13 and 14
June the show has certainly
become the one to watch in Asia.
An impressive list of exhibitors
provided delegates with plenty of
food for thought, while exhibitors
got region-wide exposure to what
can only be described as one of
the most exciting developing
markets. As a number of
conservative markets in the region
review their approach to gaming
there is significant potential for
future growth.
This year's Las Vegas Expo is
set to take place at the Las Vegas
Convention Centre on 13, 14 and
15 November. The list of exhibitors
is already impressively full and this
year's show already boasts a
number of new and exciting
developments including :
Expanded pavilions:
Eye In The Sky Security and
Surveillance Pavilion
Technology Pavilion
Daily Keynotes
Enhanced signage to get where
you need to go
Enhanced G2E
Comfort Lounges.
For further details,
visit www.global
gamingexpo.com
8
agm 2007
When politicians,
stakeholders and
market analysts gather
together the mix is a compelling
one, if not entertaining.
Thanks to stalled progress on
double taxation and a trading
climate that looks, at best, difficult
heading towards the July smoking
ban, delegates at this year's Bingo
Association AGM and conference
had little to cheer.
Taking place at the QEII
conference centre in London, the
event boasted a solid line-up of
high-profile speakers, including the
Gambling Commission's Peter
Dean CBE, Lib Dem MP Don
Foster, and Tony Coles, a partner
at law firm Jeffrey Green Russell.
Throughout the proceedings,
there was a mood of evident
frustration from the secretariat and
the membership at what appears
to be a muted response from
the DCMS to calls for help in
several key areas affecting the
bingo sector.
Offering some much-needed
light relief from a politically and
legislatively heavy agenda,
however, was Tom Aquaviva of
Nielsen/Netratings, the internet
media and market research
solutions specialist. His
presentation to delegates and
members focused on the online
gaming sector and how it applies
to the bingo market.
Aquaviva drew on some
interesting statistics to back his
address, taken from fresh data
collated by Nielsen. They
represented absorbing material
for the established bricks and
mortar firms gathered at the AGM
in that they offered a close look at
how the public views betting and
gambling online.
According to the researcher,
around 31 million Britons are
online each month - spending a
significant amount of time using
internet applications or surfing
web pages. Out of those surfers,
84 per cent visit some form of
entertainment site and 21 per
cent visit a gambling or
sweepstakes site.
Interestingly, though, year-onyear
expansion for the
gambling/sweepstakes sector is
roughly flat which, according to
Aquaviva, should represent a
significant opportunity for growth.
That said, gambling and
sweepstakes still emerge as the
seventh most engaging category
by time per person - averaging
one hour ten minutes per person.
Predictably, the National Lottery is
the only gambling site that is
visited by more than two per cent
of online Britons.
Aquaviva summed up the
current mood among operators in
relation to the online sector. He
told the conference: 'There's a
certain amount of angst about the
online space and what it's going to
mean for your businesses and
that's a question that I deal with in
every conference I go to, whether
you're in bingo, consumer
electronics or grocery. The
internet is something that every
business has to deal with. It's
something that is a double-edged
sword. It's a big risk but it's a big
opportunity.'
The analyst was also keen to
highlight the fact that companies
need to be taking a more
Online sector offers a little
encouragement at AGM
proactive role in generating interest
online. 'There's not massive reach
into the online population in the
UK, but people seem to be very
satisfied and engaged once they
get there,' he said. 'I'm not too
sure if people are making enough
of search engines. The way people
are navigating through the web
today it's all about search and it's
a really interesting way to drive
people to your website.'
Aquaviva also offered an
encouraging outlook for bricks and
mortar firms looking to initiate or
boost their online offering. 'I'm not
intimately familiar with the bingo
industry, but the time spent on
some of these sites is shocking,'
he said. 'It's really
disproportionate. And from that
I think the ban will drive some
people online and, therefore,
there's a real opportunity to win in
this space.'
Aquaviva's presentation aside,
the 2007 Bingo Association AGM
was a sobering exercise in telling
members what the sector can
expect in the coming months, a
brief it fulfilled with flying colours.
Speakers Tom Aquaviva, Lib Dem MP Don Foster and Peter Dean, chairman of the Gambling Commission
Pictures: TIM Hill Photo Services
news
9
Gala Bingo is now offering
the first long-term loyalty
scheme for bingo
players, by joining Nectar.
This exciting new partnership
means that from 1 June Gala
Bingo members will be able to
earn Nectar points every time they
visit a club. Members will be
invited to link their membership
card to their Nectar card and
points will be credited when
they 'swipe in' to any of Gala's
171 clubs.
Players have plenty of
opportunity to rack up Nectar
points throughout the day and will
be able to earn 40 Nectar points
plus an extra 10 bonus points if
they visit before 12.30pm. If
members play in the evening, they
pick up 60 Nectar points, plus an
extra 20 bonus points if they arrive
before 7pm. Players can also use
their Nectar Card to earn points
with other Nectar partners, which
include Sainsbury's, Debenhams,
BP and Nectar eStores.
Nectar is a national reward
scheme that allows collected
points to be redeemed for
thousands of rewards, ranging
from high street savings and travel
and leisure discounts, to all kinds
of gifts and products, and from
July points can also be redeemed
for Gala gift vouchers.
Kate Howe, group marketing
director at Gala Coral Group, said:
'Many of our regular players visit
us twice a week or more so they
are very important to us. When we
talk to our members they tell us
they really want to be rewarded for
their loyalty so we've joined forces
with the biggest and best rewards
scheme in the country to give
them what they are asking for. At
Gala, we are always working hard
to deliver the best bingo club
experience for all our members to
enjoy. Our exciting new
partnership with Nectar reflects
our company ethos and provides
tangible benefits for both existing
and new members.'
Gala players rewarded
with Nectar
news
Talking about my
generation' is exactly what
a group of citizens, who
fall firmly into the 'senior'
category, have been doing as
part of a BBC television
documentary looking at how
older people are treated in
the UK.
The programme, which aired on
the Spring Bank Holiday, also
showed how bingo is a very
significant part of many people's
lives. But in order to give a firm
and loud voice to this section of
the community, who clearly still
have so much to give and say,
programme producer Tim Samuels
felt that a charity record might be
just the way to go.
Remember Roger Daltrey
strutting his stuff on The Who's big
hit of the Sixties, My Generation?
Now meet pensioner Alf Caretta, a
regular bingo player at Mecca
Camden and lead singer of The
Zimmers, the latest band to cover
the pop classic.
Talking 'bout My Generation
Alf and his fellow group
members were filmed during a visit
to Mecca Camden talking about
their group.
Alf, who is 90, and his fellow
pensioners recorded their own
version of My Generation and it
looks as if they might be the oldest
rock group to
hit the charts.
A video posted
on YouTube
before the
official release of the record had
received 1.5 million hits within a
fortnight and received the thumbs
up from BBC Radio 2 DJ Chris
Evans. Recorded at the famous
Abbey Road Studios, the video
includes The Zimmers'
interpretation of the classic Who
scenes of guitar smashing and
borrows from The Beatles' iconic
walk across the pedestrian
crossing outside the studio.
The Zimmers have a combined
age of more than 3,000 years
and were
handpicked by
BBC
documentary
maker Samuels
for a series on
the isolation of
older people in
Britain. With plans
for a trip to the US
to appear on Ellen
DeGeneres' top
TV talk show,
stardom looks set
to follow. All
profits from the single will go to
Age Concern.
10
'
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different key interests: bingo companies, gaming clubs/casinos,
bookmakers, lottery and pools operators.
The depth of analysis provided on each company in each report
offers you a comprehensive insight into the financial performance of
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news
ECM Systems Ltd has
completed the installation
of the UK's largest
all-electronic bingo club.
Each of the 600 seats at the
Riva Club in Sutton, Surrey, is
fitted with one of ECM's latest
touchscreen terminals, the 'Ingotm'.
Powered up, connected to the
system, and ready to play, the
terminals offer customers the
chance to buy up to 48 of their
main session tickets. All main
stage games, including Cashpot
and The National Game, are
available to buy, and play, at the
terminal. This means the customer
can avoid the book sales queue
and go straight into the club.
MCB is also available, the system
is currently running four cards,
but is designed to run up to six
cards of MCB. The Cardset is
MCB link compatible, and the
Bonus Button feature is fitted
as standard.
Customers are provided with
their own personal account, and
within seconds can view recent
transactions, purchases and
winnings, which are paid directly
into the account. They can also
pay money into their account in
three ways, via the bingo ATMs in
the hall; at the customer service
desks; or at the MCB position.
MCB coin slots can be used to
load up the electronic accounts.
This gives the operators flexibility
for maximising the MCB game
potential. Although the accountbased
system can be loaded with
credits, customers wishing to play
MCB on a game-by-game basis,
simply pop a coin into the coin
mech and pay for the MCB the
same way as in traditional clubs.
Winnings, on both MCB, and
main session, are paid into the
customer's account, this can then
be used to buy more tickets,
games of MCB, or the cash can
be withdrawn at any time. Many
customers like the security of an
account-based system, and leave
money in their accounts for their
next visit to the club.
Andrew Smith, the general
manager, said of the new club:
'We are absolutely delighted with
the initial response from
customers. Once our management
and staff have demonstrated to
customers how easy the new
Ingotm units are to play on, they
seem to be hooked. The system
also allows the members to hold
credit and winnings on their
membership card, allowing them
to use their cards as their own
bingo bank account. This is a
great advantage not only for the
customers, but also for operators
as it will help to attract our
customers back into our club.
'We truly are a unique bingo
club. We offer full coverage of the
easy-to-play electronic Ingotm units
at every one of our 600 tables,
while continuing to offer traditional
paper tickets. This allows different
generations within the same family
or group of friends to play bingo
on whichever style they prefer. This
really is a huge step forward for
our bingo offering.'
Stephen King, ECM's sales
account manager for the
independent bingo sector, added:
'This is a bold step by Riva in the
light of the forthcoming smoking
11
ban but the Riva management
team was adamant from day one
that an all-electronic club was the
way forward.
'We are thrilled with the success
of this project, and how the
management and customers have
taken to Ingotm. As a result, we are
looking at ways to expand the
Ingotm playing experience for
customers and operators alike
with some new 'Bingo Variant'
games on the Ingotm terminals.'
And what about the smokers at
Riva Sutton? Well, they too can
play electronic. A sheltered
smoking area complete with
removable Ingotm has been built
for them outside the club.
For details about Ingotm, contact
the ECM sales team on 01964
672000 or sales@ecmsys.co.uk
All-electronic club opens in Surrey
Total prize money since the game began £952,920,920
Total prize money played for in 2007 until 31 May £21,880,532
National Bingo Game: key statistics
Thursday 26 January with ticket sales of £896,752
Thursday 26 October with ticket sales of £859,044
Biggest games for 2006
Sunday 27 May with ticket sales of £795,642
Biggest game to date for 2007
Key game statistics
news
CONSULTATIONS ON PROPOSED LEGISLATION
Legislation update
12
As implementation of the new
Gambling Act draws ever closer the
number of consultations and
subsequent responses has started to
decline. However, this has brought into
sharp focus the lack of new opportunities for
the industry under the new Act and the
challenges faced as a result of the smoking
ban and a heavy taxation burden.
The focus to date has been on highlighting
bingo's unique character and why it is different
from other gaming products. This started with
the Stop Destroying My Bingo petition, drawing
attention to the combined effect of taxation, the
new Act and the smoking ban.
There is no doubt that the combination of
these three strands of government policy will
place the future of a significant number of clubs
in doubt, and the Association's public affairs
activity will continue to press this point.
The industry campaign is now expanding to
highlight the wider benefits that bingo clubs
bring to communities and their members, and
how this reinforces many other aspects of
government policy, such as social inclusion and
inter-generational activity.
How many other leisure activities can you
think of where three generations of the same
family enjoy socialising together on a regular
basis? This 'intergenerational' activity is a key
part of government strategy on communities
and active ageing, but bingo's significant role in
promoting and supporting it has gone
unnoticed. Socialising as a family is part of what
bingo is about - it is the perfect example of
what the government believes should be
happening on a much wider scale, and is
delivered by bingo clubs without the need for
any formal initiatives or programmes.
Our message to politicians is that bingo's role
in the heart of communities should be
recognised and valued, and that bingo players
should be treated fairly, particularly in the way
that bingo is taxed. The future of the bingo
industry may not only be about taxation, but
the imposition of VAT is certainly one area in
which the government can act decisively to
assist the industry.
We are encouraging all clubs to invite their
local MP to visit to experience what it has to
offer first hand. Not only will this underline the
truly community nature of bingo, but give MPs
a better picture of the sense of loss players will
feel if their club closes.
For further information,
visit the Bingo Association website at
www.bingo-association.co.uk
ORIGIN ITEM REVELANT RESPONSE
STATUTE DATE
G.C. Technical Standards for Gaming Machines G.A.2005 15-Aug-06
G.C. Licensing, Compliance and Enforcement G.A.2005 22-Aug-06
C.A.P. Regulation of Non-Broadcast and Broadcast Advertising G.A.2005 15-Sep-06
PEOPLE 1st National Occupational Standards for the Gambling Industry G.A.2005 15-Sep-06
DCMS Gambling (Categories of Casino) Regulations G.A.2005 27-Sep-06
DoH Smoke-Free Premises and Vehicles - Proposed Regulations H.A.2005 09-Oct-06
W. Ass. Smoke-Free Premises etc. (Wales) Regulations H.A.2005 13-Oct-06
DCMS Gambling Commission Fees G.A.2005 13-Oct-06
D.C.A. Gambling Appeals Tribunal Draft Rules 2006 G.A.2005 16-Oct-06
DCMS Gambling (Categories of Gaming Machines) Regulations G.A.2005 27-Oct-06
G.C. Supplement to Gaming Machine Technical Standards G.A.2005 27-Oct-06
G.C. Prize Competitions and Free Draws G.A.2005 31-Oct-06
DCMS Personal Licensing G.A.2005 08-Nov-06
DCMS Gambling (Premises Licences: Mandatory and Default Conditions) Regulations G.A.2005 10-Nov-06
G.C. Financial Conditions on Gambling Operators and Personal Licence Holders G.A.2005 10-Nov-06
DCMS Premises Licences Regulations G.A.2005 15-Dec-06
DCMS Premises Licences Hearings Regulations G.A.2005 15-Dec-06
G.C. Gaming Machine C.of P. re Club Gaming Permits etc. G.A.2005 20-Dec-06
DCMS Responsible Authority for Vulnerable Persons G.A.2005 22-Dec-06
DCMS Premises Licence ( Inspection ) Regulations 2006 G.A.2005 22-Dec-06
S.E. Premises Licences : Mandatory and Default Conditions ( Scotland ) Regulations G.A.2005 22-Dec-06
G.C. Guidance to Licensing Authorities Part III - Enforcement and Compliance G.A.2005 22-Dec-06
G.C. Information Exchange between Gambling Commission and Licensing Authorities G.A.2005 12-Jan-07
DCMS Premises Licences and Permits Fees G.A.2005 19-Jan-07
DCMS Prize Gaming Permit Regulations G.A.2005 26-Jan-07
DCMS FEC Gaming Machine Permit Regulations G.A.2005 26-Jan-07
S.E. Premises Licences Regulations ( Scotland ) G.A.2005 02-Feb-07
S.E. Premises Licences and Permits Fees ( Scotland ) G.A.2005 02-Feb-07
HMT Proposals for Remote Gaming Duty B.G.D.A.1981 16-Feb-07
DCMS Gambling Advertisements and Impact on Responsible Gambling G.A.2005 06-Mar-07
DCMS Gaming in Clubs and Alcohol Licensed Premises G.A.2005 18-Apr-07
DCMS Gaming Machine Regulations under S.240; S 235(5); S.241. G.A.2005 03-May-07
G.C. Free Draws ; Definition of payment to Enter TV Quizzes G.A.2005 09-May-07
DCMS Licensed Premises Gaming Machine Permits G.A.2005 16-May-07
DCMS Club Gaming and Club Machine Permits Regulations G.A.2005 16-May-07
DCMS Lottery Machine Interval Order G.A.2005 18-May-07
DCMS Bingo and Casino Equipment Technical Requirements G.A.2005 22-May-07
DCMS Definition of Dual-Use and Domestic Computers G.A.2005 27-May-07
DCMS Limits on Prize Gaming Regulations G.A.2005 31-May-07
G.C. Regulatory Returns and Key Events G.A.2005 19-Jun-07
DCMS Gambling at Non-Commercial Events G.A.2005 22-Jun-07
DCMS Review of Premises Licence Regulations G.A.2005 17-Jul-07
S.E. Review of Premises Licence ( Scotland ) Regulations G.A.2005 27-Jul-07
ABBREVIATIONS FOR TABLE BELOW
G.C. Gambling Commission
DCMS Department for Culture Media and Sport
C.A.P. Committee for Advertising Practice
DoH Department of Health
W. Ass Welsh Assembly
G.A.2005 Gambling Act 2005
H.A.2005 Health Act 2005
D.C.A. Department for Constitutional Affairs
S.E. Scottish Executive
HMT Treasury
BGDA 1981 Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1981
news
Mayor calls landmark
game at Carlton Bingo
ladies' or 'two little ducks' when
I took to the stage.
'Calling Carlton Bingo's
150,000th House was harder than
I thought it was going to be.
I don't think I'll be giving up my
day job just yet!
'Carlton Bingo has been the
sole trader on the Spanish City
site for a number of years and the
council recognises its support over
that time. My visit marks the start
of a £60 million public-private
partnership, which will breathe
new life into the Spanish City site.
This will give an enormous and
long awaited boost to the area in
terms of facilities and infrastructure
on offer.'
Welcoming Councillor Harrison
to the venue, Carlton Bingo's
manager, Ellen Casey, said: 'We
were delighted to welcome the
Mayor as our guest caller.
'It's our 14th year of trading and
the day marked a significant
milestone for Carlton Bingo and
the Spanish City site. With
bingo at the heart of Spanish City,
we're looking forward to the
redevelopment of the area and
to introducing new players to
the game.'
Players at Carlton Bingo,
Whitley Bay welcomed a
familiar face to the stage
on Saturday 14 April, when the
town's Mayor, John Harrison,
joined them to call the venue's
150,000th House.
Rooted within the local
community, Carlton Bingo's
milestone coincided with the
launch of the regeneration project
of the Spanish City site. The
Mayor joined players for a game in
the afternoon session - and won a
line! - before making the landmark
150,000th call.
The Mayor also met a number
of Carlton Bingo's players and
presented flowers to one of its
birthday girls, 94-year-old
Peggy Stocks.
Speaking after his afternoon of
bingo, the Mayor said: 'I can tell
you from experience that bingo is
a social game and great fun.
Today was no different; I had a
fantastic afternoon when I joined
Carlton Bingo's players for the
afternoon session and couldn't
believe it when I won.
'Bingo has changed since the
last time I played and there was
certainly no mention of 'two fat
John Harrison ready to
call the game
John Harrison
joins the fun
13
online
14
Who's who in online bingo?
CyberSlotz Bingo.com BingoTek Stand-alone
Closer Bingo GlobalCom Cashcade Network
Daily Record Bingo GlobalCom Cashcade Network
Foxy Bingo.com GlobalCom Cashcade Network
Handbag Bingo GlobalCom Cashcade Network
icBirmingham Bingo GlobalCom Cashcade Network
icCoventry Bingo GlobalCom Cashcade Network
icLiverpool Bingo GlobalCom Cashcade Network
icNewcastle Bingo GlobalCom Cashcade Network
icTeesside Bingo GlobalCom Cashcade Network
icWales Bingo GlobalCom Cashcade Network
Mirror Bingo GlobalCom Cashcade Network
Sunday Mail Bingo GlobalCom Cashcade Network
Top Ten (Apollo) GlobalCom Cashcade Network
The Jack Club Bingo GlobalCom Cashcade Network
Get Minted Bingo GlobalCom Cashcade Network
abcBingo.co.uk GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Banana Bingo GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Bingo 4 Her GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Bingo Ballroom GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Bingo Bongo GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Bingo Boudoir GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Bingo Calling GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Bingo Dome GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Bingo Fabulous.com GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Bingo Hall GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Bingo Ireland GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Bingo Time GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Bingo-Lottery GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Champagne Bingo GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Good Lot Bingo GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
King Solomans Bingo GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Kiss My Bingo GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Lastminute.com Bingo GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Lotto 24 Bingo GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Luv 2 Bingo GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Million-2-1 Bingo GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Site Software Network Prize Bingo GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Sports Bingo GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Two Fat Ladies GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
UK-Bingo.net GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Loquax Bingo GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
ksbingo.com GlobalCom Stand-alone
Think Bingo.com GlobalCom Think Bingo Network
ThinkBingoPlus.com GlobalCom Think Bingo Network
Bingo Scotland GlobalCom Think Bingo Network
Jackpot Joy Gamesys Stand-alone
Bingo Liner.co.uk LeapFrog Stand-alone
BingoBingo UK Parlay St Minver
Bingo.uk.com Parlay St Minver
Butlins Bingo.co.uk Parlay St Minver
Castle Bingo Parlay St Minver
CheggersBingo.com Parlay St Minver
Chit Chat Bingo Parlay St Minver
iVillage Bingo Parlay St Minver
Littlewoods Bingo Parlay St Minver
Park Bingo.co.uk Parlay St Minver
Speed Dater Bingo Parlay St Minver
Virgin Bingo Parlay St Minver
Winners Bingo Parlay St Minver
Yahoo Bingo Parlay St Minver
Rehab Bingo Parlay Stand Alone
123Bingo UK Parlay Stand-alone
Astro Bingo.co.uk Parlay Stand-alone
Bingo Palace.co.uk Parlay Stand-alone
Thepalaces.com Parlay Stand-alone
Bingomania.co.uk Parlay Stand-alone
Bingonanza.co.uk Parlay Stand-alone
Bingos.co.uk Parlay Stand-alone
Big Heart Bingo Parlay TGN (The Gaming
Network)
Bingo Boogie.co.uk Parlay TGN (The Gaming
Network)
Bingo Tonic Parlay TGN (The Gaming
Network)
Site Software Network
The launch rate of online
bingo sites appears to
have slowed in recent
months, but it is still
substantially more than a trickle,
as new brands discover they
too can be in bingo.
How much brand extension and
the smoking ban are driving this
continued expansion for non-club
based businesses is debatable,
but when considering the profile of
online players, brand extension
seems to be the stronger driver.
Online bingo has opened up
bingo as a leisure activity for a
new segment of consumers
comfortable using the internet
for leisure.
For operators with both club
and online bingo offerings there is
a small amount of crossover but
how many people play online
instead of in a club is unclear. If
the UK market follows the initial
pattern exhibited in the USA, then
there will be two key distinct player
groups: those who only play online
and those for whom online is
primarily a substitute for not being
able to get to their regular club.
As such, operators trading in both
arenas need to balance their brand
and offerings more
carefully than those
operating exclusively in
the online market, in
order to successfully
appeal to both groups.
Who is using the
internet and for what was
the subject of a
presentation at this year's AGM
from Tom Aquaviva of Netratings
(see page 8), the specialist online
research company. What was
clear from the presentation, is
that those online consumers who
like gaming are happy to spend
on average over an hour playing
- a significant and attractive
opportunity.
In establishing an online bingo
site it is logical that a land-based
Clicks versus Mortar and the fight
Top Ten all bingo search results:
Bingo - worldwide
Foxybingo.com
Galabingo.co.uk
Meccabingo.com
Sunbingo.co.uk
Bingomania.com
Galabingo - Sharon Osbourne
Bingobeats.com
Whichbingo.com
Bingoboss.com
Bingo.org.uk
Bingo - UK only
Galabingo.co.uk
Meccabingo.com
Sunbingo.co.uk
Bingomania.com
Galabingo - Sharon Osbourne
Bingobeats.com
Whichbingo.com
Bingobase.com
Bingo.org.uk
willhiil.com
online
15
This guide is not a definitive list of bingo sites but aims to show key sites and indicate the software
on which they operate. Information is correct to the best of our knowledge but please notify us of any
omissions or errors.
Who's who in online bingo?
Furry Bingo Parlay TGN (The Gaming
Network)
Gardening Bingo (Emap) Parlay TGN (The Gaming
Network)
MagicFM Bingo (Emap) Parlay TGN (The Gaming
Network)
Mother and Baby Bingo (Emap) Parlay TGN (The Gaming
Network)
New Woman Blingo (Emap) Parlay TGN (The Gaming
Network)
Top Sante Bingo (Emap) Parlay TGN (The Gaming
Network)
Winzingo Parlay TGN (The Gaming
Network)
Yours Bingo (Emap) Parlay TGN (The Gaming
Network)
PaddyPowerBingo Parlay TGN (The Gaming
Network)
Kiwi Bingo.co.uk Playtech Playtech
Bingoland Network
Ruby Bingo.co.uk Playtech Playtech
Bingoland Network
Mapaubingo Playtech Playtech
Bingoland Network
Blackpool Bingo.co.uk Playtech Stand-alone
Gala Bingo.co.uk Proprietary Software Stand-alone
Bingo Rooms ProWager Systems BingoRoomNetwork
Bingo Today ProWager Systems BingoRoomNetwork
Bingo101 ProWager Systems BingoRoomNetwork
Daily Star Bingo ProWager Systems BingoRoomNetwork
UK Bingo Room ProWager Systems BingoRoomNetwork
Free Bingo.co.uk ProWager Systems Stand-alone
iBingo UK QuadCard Stand-alone
Entertainment
Sun Bingo Tombola Sun/News of
the World Network*
Site Software Network
KEY COMPANIES IN ONLINE BINGO
virtuefusion.com Virtue Fusion
Bingo Networks Bingo Networks Alderney
Parlay Group.com Parlay Entertainment
stminver.com St Minver
thegamingnetwork.com The Gaming Network
playtech.com Playtech
chartwellgames.com Chartwell Technology Inc
bingotek.com Bingotek
Gamesyscorporate.com Gamesys
aquagaming.com Aqua Gaming
NOTWBingo Tombola Sun/News of
the World Network*
Bingo Loopy.co.uk Virtue Fusion Virtue Fusion
Network
Crown Bingo.co.uk Virtue Fusion Virtue Fusion
Network
Simply Bingo.co.uk Virtue Fusion Virtue Fusion
Network
Blue Square Bingo Virtue Fusion Stand Alone
Mecca Games Virtue Fusion Stand Alone
Mecca Bingo Virtue Fusion Stand Alone
Ladbrokes Bingo Virtue Fusion Stand Alone
River Belle Bingo Virtue Fusion Virtue Fusion Network
William Hill Bingo Virtue Fusion Virtue Fusion Network
Bet365 Virtue Fusion Virtue Fusion Network
Bonanza Bingo Virtue Fusion Bonanza Network
Fruit Bingo Virtue Fusion Bonanza Network
Carlton Bingo Virtue Fusion Bonanza Network
Capitol Bingo Virtue Fusion Bonanza Network
Buckingham Bingo Virtue Fusion Bonanza Network
Beach Bingo Virtue Fusion Bonanza Network
Coronet Bingo Virtue Fusion Bonanza Network
Premier Bingo Virtue Fusion Bonanza Network
Leo Leisure Virtue Fusion Bonanza Network
Site Software Network
operator will first seek to promote
to existing customers, familiar with
the company. However, the real
opportunity lies in tapping into the
broader online consumer base and
this is where the challenge and
power of the click lies.
Competition for attention in the
online bingo environment is fierce.
Searching for bingo on Google
returns 46,600,000 results, a
figure reduced to 5,120,000 when
searching in the UK only (see table
for top ten results). As online
search remains the key method by
which consumers locate sites,
search engine optimisation is a
crucial aspect of any website
development and maintenance,
with specialist agencies operating
exclusively in this field. However,
as competition for placement in
online search results can be costly,
alternative methods of promoting
sites and customer recruitment are
being explored.
Online advertising is one option,
but ideally not in pop-up format as
many web browsers have software
that will block them. Banner ads
are an alternative, but can easily
be over looked if not placed on
appropriate sites. As a key aspect
of online advertising is the mindset
of the surfer, it is vital to only place
advertising in an environment
where they might be open to the
proposition. On this basis
community-based websites and
portals provide a fertile
environment for advertising.
There is, however, an alternative
to straight online advertising,
which is gaining popularity with a
variety of online businesses,
partner/affiliate schemes. These
schemes operate by providing the
media/website owner with a
financial incentive for placing a
banner in a high traffic area of their
site. The terms of the incentive
vary from a small charge for each
click-through, to a percentage of
what a customer spends. The
advantage of these agreements is
that both parties are only rewarded
on a results basis. As with any
specialist task, agencies now exist
to manage the interaction between
both parties.
In launching and maintaining an
online site continued visibility is
essential and no one method of
promotion will suffice.
to be seen
Top Five online bingo search results:
Online bingo - worldwide
Foxybingo.com
onlinebingo.co.uk
Galabingo.co.uk
Bingobase.com
Sunbingo.co.uk
Online bingo - UK only
onlinebingo.co.uk
Galabingo.co.uk
Bingobase.com
Sunbingo.co.uk
Meccabingo.com
online
16
Will smokers stay at home or
go to clubs and meet friends?
Many online bingo operators see the
now fully implemented smoking ban
as a significant opportunity to grow
their market and player spend, as committed
smokers search out new leisure pursuits
where they can continue to smoke.
Leading online bingo operator, St Minver, has
conducted research with bingo players to see if
the ban has a silver lining for the online market.
The survey highlights that once the no-smoking
ban is fully in force:
One in three bingo club players say they will
play less often;
63 per cent of smokers will increase their
spend online;
One in ten bingo club players will stop playing
in the clubs.
The research, involving more than 3,000
bingo players, revealed that 62 per cent of
respondents are active smokers and confirms
just how unhappy smoking bingo players are
about the ban.
According to the research, it is more likely
that the high number of online bingo players
who smoke - 62 per cent - will stop playing in
clubs, with a third of them saying they will play
less often and 21 per cent claiming that they will
throw away their membership cards. Only 14
per cent of these smokers said that they will
quit smoking so they can continue playing.
Leigh Nissim, managing director of St Minver
(UK) says: 'At the moment there is a great deal
of focus on the effect the smoking ban will have
on bingo halls and we wanted to get the view
from the people that really mattered - the
players. We had a phenomenal response to the
survey - 3,000 players whose opinions matter
to us.'
The strength of feeling smoking bingo players
have for the ban is something that operators
and club managers are all very aware of.
Whether all smokers vote with their feet and
lighters and opt to stay athome and play online
is not quite so clear. While the impact of the ban
on club bingo is undisputed, a mass exodus to
the online environment seems unlikely and is not
a view supported by all research.
Such a move assumes that these players
have access to computers at home, have a
suitable internet connection and are comfortable
using a computer. Not attributes that are
currently broadly applicable to the majority of
club bingo players.
Online bingo is a possible alternative for
players and an opportunity for business (see
AGM report page 8), as broadband access and
computer ownership increases.
However, smokers will have to face life under
the ban in all aspects of their life, not just at
bingo, and may revise their behaviour as they
make adjustments overtime and miss seeing
their friends face to face.
Smoke-free clubs are
unattractive to some,
but a potential delight
for the 80 per cent of
the UK population who
are non-smokers PICTURE: SHUTTERSTOCK
Castle Bingo website Buckingham Bingo website
news
17
It's official and there is no
avoiding it - England became
smoke-free on 1 July,
following on the bans in
Scotland, Wales and Northern
Ireland. As smokers and their
cigarettes are banned from
almost all enclosed public
places and workplaces in the
country, it is inevitable that they
will move outdoors where
smoking is permitted.
Ignoring the ban can lead to a
£50 fixed penalty notice for the
smoker and business owners or
managers who fail to prevent
someone from smoking on their
premises can be prosecuted and
fined up to £2,500.
And as ash trays become a
thing of the past it will be down to
the cigarette bin to take over and
clean up. All clubs will be adhering
to the ban and ensuring that
people do not smoke on their
ppremises. This means ensuring
that clubs provide outside bins for
their players and the selection
available is enormous.
Bins come in all shapes and
sizes for every type of
environment. The choice is vast,
from wall-mounted to
free-standing, to fixed to portable,
and in different finishes.
Not surprisingly, there are lots of
cmpanies that have recognised
the sales potential and are
supplying shelters and bins to all
budgets and designs.
Going forward from the
immediate aftermath of the ban in
England, however, there is likely to
be an issue about clubs being
responsible for the discarded
butts and littering left outside
their premises.
It is important for all clubs to
ensure they provide bins and clean
up litter in order to avoid facing a
bill from the local authority for
street cleaning.
Among the companies providing
bins and shelters are:
Broxap: tel: 01782571660.
The No Butts Bin Company: tel:
0800 358 0085,
www.nobutts.co.uk
Austin White: tel: 01536 316967,
www.austinwhite.ltd.uk
Pedalbins.com: tel: 01827
874100, www.pedalbins.com
Smoking Shelter: tel: 01457
839687, www.smokersshelter.
co.uk
Captrad Ltd: tel: 01695 680010,
www.captrad.com
Macemain and Amstad Ltd: tel:
01536 40133,
www.macemainamstad.com
Cigarette Bins UK: tel: 0870
7605 666, www.ciggybins.co.uk
Binning the butts
18
feature
It's official! Mecca Bingo is the
best way to spend a night out
in Romford. Club manager
Bernie Dullaghan and his
colleagues have been
celebrating after picking up two
awards - for Best Night Time
Venue and Best Customer
Service - at the official Havering
Community Awards 2007.
Both awards were voted for by
Romford people and the council
received around 2,500 votes.
Bernie says: 'The staff are over
the moon. We're thrilled that all our
effort and hard work has been
recognised. If our customers
didn't think we deserved it, we
wouldn't have won. We're really
pleased, particularly as it's a
category that included so many
different types of businesses within
the leisure industry.'
Council communications officer
Joe Agius says: 'Mecca Romford
has provided a welcoming and
safe environment for a loyal
customer base. These awards are
Mecca hits the spot
New Gala club celebrates
with Journey South
Cheltenham got the
X-Factor when duo
Journey South, who
starred in the hit TV talent show,
headlined the evening's
opening celebrations.
Gala Cheltenham threw open its
doors for the first time in March
and invited everyone to see the
club's stunning new facilities.
Show group Alpha Connection
kick-started the evening's
entertainment, performing their
visually stunning music and dance
display, to a repertoire of timeless
classics and chart hits. The stars
of the evening were Journey
South who took to the main
stage for an exciting one-off
Cheltenham performance.
Gayle Morgan, the club's
manager, said before the opening
recognition for managers like
Bernie, who are positively affecting
the community, and transforming
perceptions of Romford.'
Bernie adds: 'The awards are a
sign that people are really noticing
an improvement. It is recognition
that businesses are trying to
promote a safe environment
for the local community.'
Mecca Romford has between
3,500 and 4,000 visitors a week
and is growing in popularity. Bernie
says: 'Over the past few years we
have seen more and younger
people coming along to play,
particularly in the evenings. Their
feedback has been that not only is
it a fun night out, they also enjoy
playing in a safe environment.
Mecca Romford is a club where
people come with their friends to
enjoy themselves, in a comfortable
atmosphere without stretching the
purse strings.'
The awards were part of the
Havering Community Safety
partnership, comprising the
licensing authority, emergency
services and community action.
event: 'We are all very excited
about opening and can't wait to
show guests around our amazing
new club. From a new state-ofthe-
art calling system ensuring
first-time players don't miss a call,
to innovative electronic bingo
tickets for die-hard bingo lovers.
As part of the £60 million
Cheltenham retail and leisure
complex, Gala Cheltenham boasts
more than 23,000 square feet of
space and houses the latest
facilities, including prize and party
bingo boards and the latest
machines. The club also offers
customers a smart new diner
and licensed bar, with full
disabled facilities, including an
access lift, disabled WC, hard of
hearing loop system and
wheelchair positions.
More News:
2007 is set to be one of the most
challenging years in living memory for the
bingo industry, with some of the most
radical changes in 39 years taking place. Such
changes should ideally present a wealth of
opportunity, but due to the time frame and
nature of the changes taking place they
present a very real threat to the future shape of
the industry.
The issues conspiring against the industry are
not consumer led, but driven by legislation, both
existing and new.
The industry has operated for a considerable
time under an unfair tax regime that requires
bingo operators to pay VAT, while other sectors
of the gambling industry do not. The combined
tax rate sees bingo paying one of the highest
rates in the gambling industry, a burden that is
increasingly difficult to bear.
If bingo is to compete fairly in the leisure and
gambling market, then its level of taxation
should not see it unfairly disadvantaged. This is
clearly not a view that has been held by the
Treasury to date, which seems determined to
allow this situation to continue, despite its
ultimately dire consequence for bingo operators,
clubs and players.
In addition to the ongoing burden of an unfair
tax regime, changes due to come into effect
under the new Gambling Act will further burden
the industry, while offering very little by way of
the benefits initially outlined in the Budd Report
of 2001. It was promised in this report that no
sector would have less under the new Act than
it currently has under the 1968 Gaming Act. For
bingo this promise is not set to be delivered on,
as increases in licence costs and removal of
Section 21 games are set to increase costs of
operation and reduce the scope of a crucial
revenue stream, further challenging the
commercial viability of many clubs.
The issues facing clubs are all set to be
played out against the backdrop of a ban on
smoking in public places, which was introduced
in Scotland last year, in Wales earlier this month
and will come into effect in England in July.
The ban was supported by the industry
on the ground of the nations' health,
however, operators with clubs in Scotland
are all too painfully aware of the extreme
continued on page 8
Online bingo Legislation Bingo for Breakthrough
Gambling Act update Celebrating a record success
The only magazine produced for the UK Bingo Industry Issue 77 April 2007 BINGOLINK
Stop destroying my bingo!
Jackpot fever as prizes rocket
Actress Linda Robson takes a
defiant stance on the threat
facing bingo
Bingo in the media
The final quarter of 2006 continued the trend of Q3, showing an increase
in media coverage, ending the year on a record high of 1,883 pieces.
November 2006 proved to be exceptional, providing nearly double the
quantity of coverage for the same month in 2005.
Press coverage arising from the new NBGA television commercials
provided increased opportunities and the national final of NBGA Caller of
the Year also provided additional opportunities.
The most significant difference this quarter is the increase in electronic
coverage ie. stories and editorial published on websites. While there has
always been a smattering of coverage arising from this area, we are finally
starting to see it outstrip even regional publications as an opportunity for
coverage. This trend is one that is likely to continue as a prominent
feature of media coverage, as more and more people read online.
news
The National Game
2
Diary
Dates
BINGOLINK is published by The Bingo Association, Lexham
House, 75 High Street North, Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU6 1JF.
Tel: 01582 860921. Fax: 01582 860925.
Email: bingolink@bingo-association.co.uk
Editor: Steve Baldwin
Produced by Associa Ltd, North Gate, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9PL.
Tel: 01572 824600. Email: (editorial) christine.moss@associa.co.uk
Email: (advertising) Sally Wilkinson: sally@rose-media.co.uk
Tel: 01427 668662.
Reproduction in whole or part is strictly prohibited without the permission of the publishers.
Views expressed are not necessarily those of The Bingo Association or Associa Ltd. Prices
and information correct at date of publication but subject to change.
Quarterly news and update from Chief Executive Paul Talboys
Total prize money since the game began £93,872,397
Total prize money played for in 2007 until 31 January £4,626,506
National Bingo Game: key statistics
Thursday 26 January with ticket sales of 896,752
Thursday 26 October with ticket sales of 859,044
Biggest games for 2006
Saturday evening 17 February with ticket sales of £757,026
Biggest game to date for 2007
Our traditional Mothers' Day
special game has already taken
place and due to adverse
weather conditions in some areas
of the country we narrowly
missed making our target
National prize of £500,000. It is
sad that we did not reach this
target as it will be the last game
of its kind to take place under
existing/old legislation. Mothers'
Day 2008 will present us with a
far broader range of promotional
options, courtesy of the
Gambling Act 2005.
We are already a third of the
way through the year and various
countdowns to change have
started - countdown to new
legislation, countdown to
smoking ban (only England left to
go) and a countdown to new
possibilities for bingo and the
National Bingo Game. In
preparing to meet challenges and
opportunities arising from these
changes, there remains a
significant amount of groundwork
to be done, software and
hardware development and roll
out, in addition to yet more
consultation documents.
In readiness for a radically
different and exciting new
National Bingo Game
post-September and for the
heightened seasonal dips in
admissions the industry is facing
this year, some interim revisions
to the National Game ticket price
and prize fund and structure are
due to be implemented next
month. These changes will see a
more logical ticket price across
the week and will put more prize
money back on individual club
boards, by way of an increased
house prize. Players are
notoriously resistant to change
and it is important that these
changes are presented positively.
This, of course, is in readiness for
the use of stake retention for the
first time in the UK.
The process of developing the
JLS software that will enable the
industry to take advantage of
stake retention under the new
Act, at both club and national
level, is currently on schedule.
We will share further details with
you as soon as we can.
Meeron has now signed its
agreement with leading online
bingo provider, Virtue Fusion, to
form Bingo Networks Alderney,
(see page 17) that initially will
offer operators the opportunity to
develop an online bingo presence
easily and securely and will then
seek to explore how NBGA and
Meeron members can exploit and
benefit from existing relationships
in an online environment.
Later this month, we also have
our AGM at the Queen Elizabeth
II Conference Centre in London,
which I hope you will be able
to attend.
October November December
Consumer press 6 11 0
Electronic media 86 25 20
National press 16 9 9
Regional press 161 139 112
TOTAL 269 184 141
Quarter 3 total: 594 Year to date: 1,883
Number of press hits by month
2007 is a year of change
The busiest regions for coverage have been Northern Region (13 per cent), North East
Region (11 per cent) and Scotland (15 per cent) for each month respectively.
The increase in electronic media has also impacted on the region delivering the most
coverage. As online material is held to be available nationally, it will be no surprise that for
each of the three final months of 2006 that 'nationally available' was the section delivering
the greatest quantity of coverage overall.
25 April
The Bingo Association and
National Bingo Game
Association AGM,
Queen Elizabeth II Conference
Centre, London. Contact
Donna Black: 01582 860921,
donna@bingoassociation.
co.uk
25 May
Gaming Investor
Conference,
Guoman Tower Hotel, London
Contact Clarion ATE,
www.ateonline.co.uk/gi
1 July
Ban on smoking in
public places introduced
in England
October
Bingo For Breakthrough
Please remember to notify us of
your events so we can include
them here. Email us at
bingolink@bingo-asociation.co.uk
news
3
Jeff leaves
Crown Leisure
After more than 23 years at
Crown Leisure, Jeff Fannon
will be leaving the
organisation this summer.
Jeff, who is Special Projects
Director, said: 'I am very proud of
what we have accomplished here
at Crown over the years. This is a
fantastic team, which is now
thoroughly bedded in, and I have
no doubt that Crown will continue
to go from strength to strength.'
Mecca Bingo has signed up leading astrologer Russell Grant and Big Brother star
Brian Dowling to support its online community.
TV favourite Russell will provide an exclusive series of detailed month-by-month
predictions for 2007. He has focused on the 'numbers' game by giving Mecca
members an insight into which dates each month are the best for playing bingo
and also lets them know which are their lucky numbers for that month.
In a double coup, Mecca has also announced that its new online caller is former
Big Brother winner Brian Dowling, whose Irish tones will now be heard on the
Mecca Bingo website.
Mecca spokesperson Lesly Hughes said: 'Mecca is all about winners and stars and in selecting Russell
and Brian to represent our online community, we've certainly got ourselves two stars who are both proven
winners! We're sure they'll be hugely popular with all our members.'
Sharon and Gala raise
cash for Comic Relief
Celebrity Sharon Osbourne helped
Gala Bingo raise more than
£150,000 for Comic Relief at the
first Comic Relief bingo game at Surrey
Quays Gala.
Sharon said: 'I am delighted Gala
Bingo invited me to be its 'Big One' bingo
caller. I love bingo; what's more I'm a huge
supporter of Comic Relief, which plays an
important role in helping transform the lives
of people living with poverty and social
injustice. I hope bingo lovers and those of
you who are new to the game continue to
help us raise as much money as possible.'
Red Nose fun went on throughout
the 170 Gala Bingo clubs nationwide
in the run-up to Red Nose Day on
16 March.
Russell and Brian join Mecca
news
4
Carlton Bingo, Scotland's
largest independent
bingo operator, was
inundated with potential recruits
during its first recruitment fair.
In its search for candidates for
its comprehensive trainee
management programme, Carlton
Bingo took a stand at Scotland's
Careers and Job Fair at the SECC
in March. The event was such a
success that the chain is now
sifting more than 30 applications
to recruit a handful of trainees.
Karen Hazlett, HR Manager at
Carlton Bingo, said: 'The leisure
industry is particularly competitive
so standards and levels of service
are hugely important to us - as are
the people who deliver them. Last
year's graduate intake proved
As first nights go, the
opening on 8 March of
Buckingham Bingo's new
1,100-seater club in Preston
was special.
The first night bingo players
already had a guest appearance
by Corrie actress Wendi Peters,
who plays Cilla Battersby-Brown
(pictured right at the club), and
three £1,000 houses to look
forward to, but then one
member scooped more than
£17,000 as a sixth share of
the night's National Game.
Winner Pam Duncanson,
from Garstang, had played
bingo for 30 years but her
biggest win had been £600.
The next day Jim 'Bullseye'
Bowen made a guest appearance
at the club's first afternoon session
along with a surprise appearance
at Buckingham's other city centre
club. Jim has a strong association
with Buckingham, having
appeared at many of its clubs with
his Bullseye game, and has
recently featured as the 'voice of
Buckingham' on its TV and
radio advertising.
The club has received a
rapturous reception from its
members. After her first visit,
Maureen Robinson, of Ribbleton,
said: 'It's really amazing, I've never
seen such a lovely club - I'm
going to get all my friends to come
and play here!'
Launched with the industry's
biggest-ever membership
recruitment campaign, the club
already has more than 14,000
members from as far as
Blackburn, Chorley, Blackpool,
Southport and Lancaster who are
lapping up the luxury and big cash
prizes at what claims to be the
most modern and sumptuous
bingo club in the UK. This is the
first new-build club launch since
the acquisition of Buckingham
Bingo by Alchemy in December
2005. The club is a flat-floor
design with excellent disabled
access, plus secure parking for
more than 300 cars
successful, with five of those
trainees promoted to assistant
manager within the first year.
'The event at the SECC has
been a hugely successful
recruitment method for us, one we
will use again. Carlton Bingo
invests heavily in our trainee
managers - they are the next
generation. Our comprehensive
trainee management programme
lasts 12 months and sees recruits
supported by an experienced
team as they learn the business
and build strong and lasting
relationships with our bingo
customers.'
Carlton Bingo was the first
bingo company in the UK to be
awarded a GamCare Certificate of
Social Responsibility.
Carlton Bingo recruits
its next generation It was party time for Violet
Craig from Merseyside
when she celebrated her
100th birthday with a party at
the Buckingham Bingo club
in Huyton.
Violet spent the day at the club
enjoying free bingo, champagne
and travel to and from the club in
a chauffeur-driven limousine.
The avid bingo fan plays three
times a week and is a popular
character with staff and members.
Violet said: 'I've been coming to
the club every Friday for more than
10 years so when the club offered
to give me a party to celebrate my
birthday I was delighted. I
celebrated and played my
favourite game at the same time.'
Ian Garner, club manager, said:
'Violet is a popular character so
we wanted to do something
special to mark her big day.'
Violet turns 100
and has a party
Wendi shares the happiness of
£17,000 winner Pam and her friend
Corrie star meets fans
at opening of new club
news
5
Who will be our next
National Bingo Caller
of the Year?
Does your club employ the best
caller in the land? Does your caller
have that unique blend of fun and
professionalism that brings
something special to every
session? If so, they could be the
UK's next National Bingo Caller
of the Year!
As an entrant in the competition
they could bring lots of positive
publicity to your club and if they
take the title there is a great prize
for them - and an award of £250
for the club's manager.
Last year's six national finalists
experienced a wonderful
all-expenses paid weekend in
London, with their partners, taking
in the sights of the city and a
superb gala dinner at the luxurious
Tower Hotel, overlooking London's
world famous Tower Bridge. This
year's event promises to be no
less of an occasion.
Current champion Brett
Hyrjak with Esther Rantzen
Mandy Gargan, 2004 winner,
celebrates with TV presenter
Fiona Phillips
2005 winner Karl Seth
with Coleen Nolan
Current titleholder Brett Hyrjak,
from the Gala club in Bognor
Regis, is preparing to take his trip
of a lifetime to Los Angeles and
Las Vegas, along with his £500
spending money.
To take part in this fun and
exciting competition entrants only
need to be a main stage caller,
calling a minimum of three
sessions a week. Every club
that takes part in the National
Bingo Game can enter up to
three callers.
For full details, please refer to
the entry form, a copy of which
has been sent with this issue of
Bingo Link. Additional copies of
the form are available from the
National Bingo Game website
at www.nationalbingo.co.uk to
download, or from Pattinson
PR on 020 8310 5086, for a
printed copy.
Caller of the Year 2007
the search is on for next star
feature
Bingo for Breakthrough
2006 was the biggest and
best campaign yet,
raising a magnificent £651,000!
Many congratulations to all the
clubs involved for their tremendous
efforts in fundraising. Thanks to all
of you, the bingo industry has
raised more than £2.25 million for
Breakthrough since 2003.
This year's top fundraising club
was Gala Bingo, in Croxteth,
Liverpool, which raised more than
£10,000. Sara Butlin, assistant
manager, said: 'I think the key to
our success was that everyone in
the club got behind the cause.
The more we raised the bigger
the buzz for the staff and
members. We held numerous
activities - car washes, a pink
party and members were invited
to throw sponges at the callers
and managers in stocks. We
also held games for a signed
Everton football.'
Runner-up in the fundraising
stakes was Mecca Bingo Glasgow
Forge III, which raised £9,446.
Special congratulations also go to
Gala Bingo, Scunthorpe; and
6
Left to right: Lucy Anderson, account executive at Breakthrough Breast Cancer;
Chris Askew, fundraising director at Breakthrough Breast Cancer; Paul Talboys,
Chief Executive of The Bingo Association, who presented the cheque; and
Katherine Duffin, account manager at Breakthrough Breast Cancer
Mecca Bingo, Carmarthen Road,
Swansea, the top fundraising
clubs by region.
And that's not forgetting the
independents. For the fourth year
running, Quayside Bingo,
Lossiemouth, scooped the top
fundraiser per head award,
followed by a club taking part for
the first time, Crystal Bingo in
Deeside. The club's enthusiasm
and involvement in its first year
was really impressive. The other
top regional fundraisers per head
were Gala Bingo Bognor Regis;
Mecca Bingo Swindon; and
Walkers Bingo Heckmondwike.
After such a brilliant success,
the team at Breakthrough Breast
Cancer is already planning for this
year's effort. Bingo for
Breakthrough 2007 will be
between 21 - 28 October 2007,
so book the dates in your diary
and start planning now.
Once again our favourite
celebrities will be doodling away,
creating works of art to auction on
eBay so do let us know if any
celebrities are visiting your club
and we will get a dab-a-doodle
pack out to you.
For further information on Bingo
for Breakthrough, or if you have
any ideas for this year's campaign,
please call Lucy Anderson on
0207 025 2498 or email
bingo@breakthrough.org.uk
Overall winner
Top fundraising club in 2006 Gala, Croxteth
Top fundraising clubs by region
Wales and South West England Mecca, Carmarthen Road, Swansea
London and the South East Mecca, Stevenage
North East England and Midlands Gala, Scunthorpe
North West England Gala, Croxteth
Scotland Mecca Forge, Glasgow
Top fundraising clubs per head
Scotland Quayside Bingo, Lossiemouth
North West England and Midlands Crystal Bingo, Deeside
London and the South East Gala, Bognor Regis
Wales and South West England Mecca, Swindon
North East England Walkers Bingo, Heckmondwike
Bingo for Breakthrough award winners 2006
B4B storms to new record
news
7
Three bingo workers have
won an award in
recognition of their
bravery in stopping a would-be
thief from stealing cash from
their employer, Walkers Top Ten
Bingo Club, in Walsall Street,
Wednesbury, West Midlands.
Pint-sized Tina Fletcher, 39,
who was the first to tackle the
burglar, and colleagues Denise
Jays and John Wilby, collected a
Good Citizen Award from West
Midlands Police on 1 March.
John, 68, the club's doorman
and a former police officer, had
already refused entry to the man,
who then slipped in through an
exit door as a customer left.
He headed for the office, where
Tina was working on the
computer, and, finding the door
locked, vaulted through a small
serving hatch and made for
the safe.
Tina, who is 4ft 10ins tall, said:
'I yelled for Denise, who was
working on book sales in the foyer.
I was scared but I just grabbed the
man and tried to stop him taking
the money bags out of the safe.'
Denise, 50, said: 'As I arrived,
Tina was still shouting from inside
the office that we were being
robbed. I opened the door and
there she was, struggling with the
chap on the floor and trying to
get him to let go of the money,
so I grabbed him as well. As he
tried to escape, he dragged
us both through the door and
onto the stairs outside.'
At this point, John and two
customers who had heard the
commotion, managed to hold
down the intruder for nearly ten
minutes until the police arrived.
John said: 'He was thrashing
about and we all took a few
knocks. It all felt a bit unreal
afterwards but at the time we
didn't give it a second thought
- we just hung onto him.'
Although all very shaken, none
of the employees or the two
customers who came to their
assistance, Carlton Edwards and
Carl Perry, were seriously hurt.
Barbara Toy, the club's manager,
said: 'I'm proud of them. This sort
of thing rarely happens but when it
does it makes you realise how
brave people can be. They all just
acted instinctively.
'We never considered the hatch
a danger before but we've now
fitted bars over it to make the
office totally secure.'
The would-be raider received a
six-month custodial sentence by
West Bromwich magistrates
following the incident last August.
Tina Fletcher and John Wilby in front
of the secured hatch
Brave staff trio win award
news
8
effect this has had on player
behaviour and profitability.
The impact of these
Government policies is such that if
they remain unaltered, up to 200
clubs will be under threat of
closure, seeing many communities
lose a key social facility.
Such is the significance of these
combined issues that the industry,
through the Bingo Association, has
mounted a campaign, 'Stop
Destroying My Bingo', which was
launched on Monday, 5 March.
The consumer-focused aspect
of this campaign has been
spearheaded by mounting a
national petition, through all
member clubs, to add the weight
of public opinion to the argument
for change. The launch has been
very successful in attracting media
attention, delivering more than 35
individual radio interviews, six
continued from page 1
television opportunities and
numerous stories in the press.
At the time of writing, the results
of the petition were being collated,
in readiness to present to Downing
Street. In addition to the petition, a
programme of direct government
lobbying has also been
implemented and is set to continue
into the summer months as
government departments and MPs
are approached, highlighting the
issues facing the industry and
making further use of the petition.
As the lobbying activity continues it
will be crucial that clubs participate
fully and respond to requests to
undertake local activity.
Backing bingo: Ian Burke, Sir Peter Fry and Neil Goulden outside Parliament
for the 'Stop Destroying My Bingo' campaign
Industry moves
into action
Combined
attendance
levels at the
2007 Amusement
Trades Exhibition
International (ATEI),
International
Casino Exhibition
(ICE) and interactive gaming
show (ICEi) hit new heights.
In total, 25,055 people from 117
nations attended the three-day
event, 0.57 per cent up on 2006,
comprising 13,032 ATEI-dedicated
visitors, 9,662 in ICE and 2,361 in
ICEi. International attendance rose
by 5.3 per cent to an all-time high
of 11,919, representing 47.6 per
cent of the total. UK participation
fell by 4.5 per cent to 12,920. Of
the 117 nations represented in
London, 74 enjoyed increased
visitor numbers, with 43 registering
record levels and 35 providing 100
visitors or more. Paraguay and the
Aland Islands were represented by
visitors for the first time.
The ATEI headline figure of
13,032 comprised 8,245 domestic
buyers and 4,687 from outside the
UK. Overall attendance was down
by 13.8 per cent, in line with the
14.8 per cent drop in the number
of exhibitors, some of whom took
new stand positions within ICE.
ATEI raised the ratio of visitors to
Show trio adds up to
record attendance
stand from 48.6 to
49.2 year-on-year.
Eighty seven nations
were represented, of
which 30 recorded
annual increases in
visitor numbers, with
14 registering record
attendances. Georgia was
represented for the first time and
the show welcomed its first visitors
from Ghana since 1996 and from
Namibia since 1997.
The ICE/ICEi headline figure of
12,023 comprised 9,662
ICE-dedicated buyers and 2,361
registered for ICEi and included
4,675 UK-based industry
professionals and 7,232 from
outside the UK. Overall attendance
increased by 22.7 per cent
year-on-year. One hundred and
ten nations were represented,
compared with 102 at the 2006
show, with visitor debuts from the
Aland Islands, Angola, Paraguay
and San Marino. Attendance levels
rose across more than 80
countries and for every
geographical region.
The 2008 show will be at
London's Earls Court Exhibition
Centre on 22 to 24 January.
Figures are subject to
verification by the Audit Bureau of
Circulation (ABC).
news
Last year, Parliament
passed the Health Act
2006, which decided that
virtually all enclosed public
places and workplaces in
England should become
smoke-free. This legislation will
be enforced in England from
6am on 1 July; smoke-free
legislation will be introduced in
Northern Ireland on 30 April and
Wales joined Scotland as a
smoke-free zone on 2 April.
The main purpose of the
legislation is to protect employees
and the public from the effects of
second-hand smoke.
Second-hand smoke can cause a
range of serious medical
conditions including heart disease,
Fiona Andrews, of the Smokefree
England Campaign, outlines what the
smoking ban will mean in England
Smoke-free
lung cancer, sudden infant death
syndrome and asthma attacks.
There is no risk-free level of
exposure to second-hand smoke.
The introduction of smoke-free
environments will reduce the risks
to health from exposure to
second-hand smoke and
recognise a person's right to be
protected from harm and enjoy
smoke-free air. It will also increase
the benefits of smoke-free places
for people trying to stop smoking.
In England, more than three out
of four people do not smoke and
10
news
nearly three quarters of those who
do smoke say that they want to
give up. However, only 51 per cent
of people currently report their
workplace as being completely
smoke-free. This figure is lower for
people in routine and manual jobs.
The five sets of regulations,
which cover premises and
enforcement, signage,
exemptions, vehicles and penalties
can be viewed by visiting
www.smokefreeengland.co.
uk/thefacts
Throughout April guidance on
these regulations will be issued
widely to businesses across the
country to help them to prepare
for the new laws.
In England the new legislation
will cover virtually all enclosed and
substantially enclosed public
places and workplaces. It will
therefore directly affect you as a
bingo hall operator, as well as all
other businesses across the
country such as shops, offices,
factories, pubs, restaurants,
public transport, and work vehicles
that are used by more than
one person.
Indoor workplace smoking
Take to the Green with the BA golf day
The Bingo Association golf day has
become increasingly popular and is
always very enthusiastically enjoyed by
those who attend and participate -
regardless of their handicap!
The 2007 event will take place on
Wednesday, 4 July, at Forest Pines Golf and
Country Club Hotel, North Lincolnshire.
A leisurely day starts with a nine-hole morning
competition for the Nesfield Trophy, followed by
a light lunch of soup and sandwiches, after
which there is an 18-hole afternoon competition
for the Maygay Cup. The day continues with
a four-course dinner, concluding with the
prize presentations.
There are numerous prizes to be won
throughout the day and the Association's golfing
society is very grateful for the continued support
of all those who sponsor prizes and make
donations to the raffle table. The day is open to
members and their guests, of all standards. We
can accommodate individual players, but why
not enter a team of four from your club? It
would be great to have a bigger turnout by the
ladies this year too.
Golfing society members may remember that
we have visited Forest Pines before and
experienced one of our most challenging
weather days yet! Since our last visit, Forest
Pines has undergone a £10 million
refurbishment and promises sumptuous
relaxation. Details of the hotel and facilities can
be found at www.forestpines.co.uk
The entry fee for the day is £95, including
VAT, and we have an allocation of rooms for the
night of 4 July at Forest Pines at £89, including
VAT, on a B&B basis. This offer will close on
4 June. Entry forms will be going out to all BA
members shortly and further copies and details
are available from Donna Black,
tel: 01582 860921 or email:
donna@bingo-association.co.uk
PICTURES: SHUTTERSTOCK; CHRISTINE MOSS
Further information
for businesses
To download guidance and
order resources and
signage, businesses
should visit
www.smokefreeengland
.co.uk/resources or call
the Smokefree England
Information Line on
0800 169 169 7.
The Smokefree England
Information Line can also
answer basic questions
relating to the legislation.
Help for smokers
You may also wish to provide
your employees with details
of the range of excellent free
support available from the
NHS. The NHS Smoking
Helpline, on 0800 169 0 169,
can offer practical advice and
information on how to stop
smoking, provide details of
your local NHS Stop
Smoking Service and discuss
other support available.
challenge ahead
rooms will not be allowed so
anyone wishing to smoke will have
to go outside instead.
From 1 July 2007, all smokefree
premises and vehicles will also
be required to display no-smoking
signs. Specific details on signage
and specifications for where signs
will need to be displayed are
included in the guidance.
No-smoking signs are also being
made freely available from the
Department of Health.
Anyone who does not comply
with the legislation may be liable to
a fine or prosecution if found
smoking in a smoke-free place or
vehicle, failing to display a
no-smoking sign, or allowing
smoking in a smoke-free place
or vehicle.
There are other measures that
you may wish to consider to
support the introduction of
smoke-free law in your workplace.
We suggest you consider
developing a written policy to
communicate the new law and its
implications to your employees.
Many businesses view the
introduction of the legislation as
an opportunity to diversify and
develop their business. If you wish
to provide outdoor areas for
smoking, be sure that you discuss
your plans with your local council
to make sure you understand what
the planning, building and licensing
requirements may be.
In England there are 3.7 million
businesses that will need to go
smoke-free - this is no small
undertaking. Enforcement officers
from local councils will work
closely with businesses to build
compliance through education,
advice and support.
As the deadline nears for
implementation of the legislation,
we urge all businesses to prepare
and seek further information from
smokefreeengland.co.uk or advice
from their local council.
11
news
CONSULTATIONS ON PROPOSED LEGISLATION
Legislation update
12
Although the pace of consultations has
finally slowed to a more manageable
speed, the Bingo Association's
efforts in response to the Gambling Act and
the smoking ban have entered a new phase,
working to ensure that the unique nature of
bingo and its status as a soft gaming
product, is reflected in the way it is
regulated and taxed.
The news from Scotland nearly one year on
from the smoking ban is not good. Admissions
and profitability are both down and the industry
needs action on the part of Government to
enable it to fight back (see Stop Destroying My
Bingo, pages 1 and 3).
Bingo has been caught up in the negative
publicity generated by casino policy, meaning
that the Government is reluctant to take what
would have otherwise been relatively
uncontroversial decisions affecting its future.
With the ban being introduced earlier this month
in Wales and shortly due to be extended to
include England, the industry cannot afford the
Government to sit on its hands over key issues
that will be vital to the industry's future.
The Association has met with Richard
Caborn, DCMS Minister, to discuss issues
arising from the Gambling Act. This has been
followed up by discussions with his officials to
progress the opportunity for new games in
bingo clubs. In addition, meetings have also
been held with Treasury officials to discuss the
impact of the smoking ban in Scotland, and the
issues surrounding removal of VAT from
participation fees. The Government has
indicated it may be extending this anomaly to
include online games charging for participation,
a proposal the Association has strongly
rejected. In practice, it is unlikely to be levied,
since online gaming operators will almost
certainly remain offshore.
In addition, the Association has also met with
John Healey, Treasury Minister, to press the
case for removal of VAT on all participation fees,
since bingo is the only major gambling activity
to be subject to this tax. It made a formal
budget submission, setting out the arguments
for removal, which is likely to be revenue-neutral
for the Government if it succeeds in avoiding
the closure of almost 200 clubs predicted when
the smoking ban becomes UK-wide.
The issues raised in these meetings will also
be reinforced by the player petition and
subsequent activity within constituencies in the
run-up to local elections. It is important
that the industry builds momentum behind
its case, publicly through the petition and
media coverage and more directly through
lobbying throughout the spring and summer.
By the time you read this, the industry will
know the contents of Mr Brown's budget, but
whether this is positive or negative in relation
to the specific tax issue, there still remain
several other issues for bingo that must not
creep back.
For further information,
visit the Bingo Association website at
www.bingo-association.co.uk
ORIGIN ITEM REVELANT RESPONSE
STATUTE DATE
G.C. Technical Standards for Gaming Machines G.A.2005 15-Aug-06
G.C. Licensing, Compliance and Enforcement G.A.2005 22-Aug-06
C.A.P. Regulation of Non-Broadcast and Broadcast Advertising G.A.2005 15-Sep-06
PEOPLE 1st National Occupational Standards for the Gambling Industry G.A.2005 15-Sep-06
DCMS Gambling (Categories of Casino) Regulations G.A.2005 27-Sep-06
DoH Smoke-Free Premises and Vehicles - Proposed Regulations H.A.2005 09-Oct-06
W. Ass. Smoke-Free Premises etc. (Wales) Regulations H.A.2005 13-Oct-06
DCMS Gambling Commission Fees G.A.2005 13-Oct-06
D.C.A. Gambling Appeals Tribunal Draft Rules 2006 G.A.2005 16-Oct-06
DCMS Gambling (Categories of Gaming Machines) Regulations G.A.2005 27-Oct-06
G.C. Supplement to Gaming Machine Technical Standards G.A.2005 27-Oct-06
G.C. Prize Competitions and Free Draws G.A.2005 31-Oct-06
DCMS Personal Licensing G.A.2005 08-Nov-06
DCMS Gambling (Premises Licences: Mandatory and Default Conditions) Regulations G.A.2005 10-Nov-06
G.C. Financial Conditions on Gambling Operators and Personal Licence Holders G.A.2005 10-Nov-06
DCMS Premises Licences Regulations G.A.2005 15-Dec-06
DCMS Premises Licences Hearings Regulations G.A.2005 15-Dec-06
G.C. Gaming Machine C.of P. re Club Gaming Permits etc. G.A.2005 20-Dec-06
DCMS Responsible Authority for Vulnerable Persons G.A.2005 22-Dec-06
DCMS Premises Licence (Inspection) Regulations 2006 G.A.2005 22-Dec-06
S.E. Premises Licences : Mandatory and Default Conditions ( Scotland ) Regulations G.A.2005 22-Dec-06
G.C. Guidance to Licensing Authorities Part III - Enforcement and Compliance G.A.2005 22-Dec-06
G.C. Information Exchange between Gambling Commission and Licensing Authorities G.A.2005 12-Jan-07
DCMS Premises Licences and Permits Fees G.A.2005 19-Jan-07
DCMS Prize Gaming Permit Regulations G.A.2005 26-Jan-07
DCMS FEC Gaming Machine Permit Regulations G.A.2005 26-Jan-07
S.E. Premises Licences Regulations (Scotland) G.A.2005 02-Feb-07
S.E. Premises Licences and Permits Fees (Scotland) G.A.2005 02-Feb-07
HMT Proposals for Remote Gaming Duty B.G.D.A.1981 16-Feb-07
DCMS Gambling Advertisements and Impact on Responsible Gambling G.A.2005 06-Mar-07
DCMS Gaming in Clubs and Alcohol Licensed Premises G.A.2005 18-Apr-07
DCMS Gaming Machine Regulations under S.240; S 235(5); S.241. G.A.2005 03-May-07
DCMS Definition of Dual-Use and Domestic Computers G.A.2005 27-May-07
DCMS Limits on Prize Gaming Regulations G.A.2005 31-May-07
ABBREVIATIONS FOR TABLE BELOW
G.C. Gambling Commission
DCMS Department for Culture Media and Sport
C.A.P. Committee for Advertising Practice
DoH Department of Health
W. Ass Welsh Assembly
G.A.2005 Gambling Act 2005
H.A.2005 Health Act 2005
D.C.A. Department for Constitutional Affairs
S.E. Scottish Executive
HMT Treasury
BGDA 1981 Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1981
news
13
Continued growth at G2E
PICTURE: OSCAR EINZIG
Gaming executives from around the globe crowd the G2E show floor
president and CEO of AGA, said:
'Since we held the first G2E in
2001, the event always has been
created by the industry, for the
industry. That promise cannot be
found elsewhere and its value is
evident by our ongoing ability to
attract increased participation from
the international gaming industry -
both attendees and exhibitors -
each and every year.'
Such has been the success of
G2E, that in 2006 the organisers
took over The Asian Gaming Expo
and Conference, re-branding it as
G2E Asia. This show gets its first
outing on 13 June for two days at
the Macau Tower and Convention
Centre, in Macau, China.
While cultures of east and west
have moved a little closer over
the past 20 years, there
remain some fundamental
divides. Having a show
catering to the Asia/Pacific
rim will provide exhibitors
with an environment
tailored to that market.
However, it remains to be seen if
this new co-branded show will
dent the attendance record of its
American counterpart.
G2E 2007 is shaping up
nicely, with a
promising and expanding list of
exhibitors. However, it would
appear that the Bingo Pavilion has
been dropped for 2007, in favour
of a Franchise Pavilion. It is also
interesting to note that as with the
2006 show, food and beverage
offerings become ever more
important.
For further details, visit
www.globalgamingexpo.com and
follow the appropriate links.
As the UK hurtles towards
implementation of new
gambling legislation this
September, it will be interesting
to see if the government's
expectations of industry growth
and problem-free expansion are
met. With a considerable
amount of legislative detail still
yet to be confirmed, the picture
of a UK gambling industry
post-September 2007 is
anything other than clear.
While the leading UK-based
shows - ATEI, ICE and ICEi -
showed an overall increase in
attendance this year, ATEI saw a
drop in both visitors and exhibitors
(see page13 of this issue). It will be
interesting to see if this mood is
reflected at G2E 2007, scheduled
to take place on 13, 14 and 15
November in Las Vegas, at The
Convention Centre.
G2E 2006 in November,
reported its sixth successive year
of growth, attracting a record
28,644 visitors from 105 countries
- seven per cent up on 2005.
The event, organised by Reed
Exhibitions and the American
Gaming Association (AGA), has
continued to grow year on year in
all aspects, seeing 15 per cent
growth in exhibitors and a 19 per
cent increase in floor space.
Frank J Fahrenkopf Jnr,
online
14
The online bingo market
continues to gather
pace, with many more
land-based operators open
to the possibility of
extending their business into
the online environment.
Those operators who have
had an online presence for
some time are increasingly
experiencing the benefits of
providing existing customers
with a new way in which to
play bingo with them and in
exploiting their brand and
reputation online with a whole
new audience.
To the uninitiated, online bingo may seem a
million miles away from club bingo, especially to
those not familiar with the internet and online
world. In reality, there are a great many parallels.
While the method of delivery may be very
different, player behaviour and expectations are
very similar, making experience of land-based
bingo a very valuable asset.
Initially, the barriers to entry in the online
world were considerable, especially in terms of
IT knowledge and start-up costs. While entry
costs have fallen greatly with the advent of
networks and various options, for many the
barriers of IT knowledge and experience of the
online market remain. In reality, for most, these
barriers are perceived to be far greater than they
actually need be.
In order to enable all operators, regardless
of size and online experience, to access
the potential benefits of extending their
business online, Meeron, the commercial
arm of the National Bingo Game Association,
has created the Bonanza Bingo Network,
through a joint venture with leading online
bingo provider, Virtue Fusion. Virtue Fusion has
been involved with online gaming, including
bingo, for seven years and brings with it
considerable expertise in both technical
infrastructure and operation and online
marketing/retention.
The joint venture company, Bingo Networks
Alderney, has been established to manage the
Bonanza Bingo Network, which is available
exclusively to NBGA, Bingo Association and
Meeron member companies. Bingo Networks
Alderney offers three service level packages
that allow operators to start their online
bingo business with the network at a level
appropriate for them:
Bronze
(entry level)
Provides operators with a basic templated
branded website (pictured above), which then
allows players to register with that operator and
play games on the Bonanza Bingo gaming site,
which is part of the Bonanza Network.
Silver
(intermediate)
Provides operators with a branded gaming
site (skinned) that allows players to register
with the operator and play games on its
branded gaming site, which is part of the
Bonanza Network.
Gold (established online
bingo operators )
Provides operators with a branded gaming
site (skinned) that allows players to register with
the operator and play games on their
branded gaming site, which has its own
chat room. This site is also part of the
Bonanza Network.
All the service packages offer the
added benefit of a greater level of influence
over the running of the network, through
an online review group and the fact that
Bingo Networks Alderney is 51 per cent
owned by Meeron, providing further
comfort with regard to operation of the
network. Introductory online workshops are
also offered free of charge, providing key
information on the basics of marketing
and running online bingo with the Bonanza
Network.
Bingo Networks Alderney, through its
owners, has a thorough understanding of both
the land-based and online business models.
As such it is in an ideal position to work with
existing land based operators, helping them
enter the online market with a business
partner who understands all aspects of their
business - land and online.
Several operators have already signed up
with the Bonanza Bingo Network and are
working with developers to build their sites
ready for launch later this month.
If you would like further information on the
Bonanza Bingo Network or want to discuss any
aspect of taking your business online, please
contact Steve Baldwin on 01582 860915 or
email info@meeron.com
Bonanza's online bounty
A new joint
venture allows
every bingo
operator to offer
online bingo -
without fear
online
15
This guide is not a definitive list of bingo sites but aims to show key sites and indicate
the software on which they operate. Information is correct to the best of our
knowledge but please notify us of any omissions or errors.
Who's who in online bingo?
CyberSlotz Bingo.com BingoTek Stand-alone
Closer Bingo GlobalCom Cashcade Network
Daily Record Bingo GlobalCom Cashcade Network
Foxy Bingo.com GlobalCom Cashcade Network
Handbag Bingo GlobalCom Cashcade Network
icBirmingham Bingo GlobalCom Cashcade Network
icCoventry Bingo GlobalCom Cashcade Network
icLiverpool Bingo GlobalCom Cashcade Network
icNewcastle Bingo GlobalCom Cashcade Network
icTeesside Bingo GlobalCom Cashcade Network
icWales Bingo GlobalCom Cashcade Network
Mirror Bingo GlobalCom Cashcade Network
Sunday Mail Bingo GlobalCom Cashcade Network
Top Ten (Apollo) GlobalCom Cashcade Network
The Jack Club Bingo GlobalCom Cashcade Network
Get Minted Bingo GlobalCom Cashcade Network
abcBingo.co.uk GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Banana Bingo GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Bingo 4 Her GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Bingo Ballroom GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Bingo Bongo GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Bingo Boudoir GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Bingo Calling GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Bingo Dome GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Bingo Fabulous.com GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Bingo Hall GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Bingo Ireland GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Bingo Time GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Bingo-Lottery GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Champagne Bingo GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Good Lot Bingo GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
King Solomons Bingo GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Kiss My Bingo GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Lastminute.com Bingo GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Lotto 24 Bingo GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Luv 2 Bingo GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Million-2-1 Bingo GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Prize Bingo GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Sports Bingo GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Two Fat Ladies GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
UK-Bingo.net GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
Loquax Bingo GlobalCom GlobalCom Network
ksbingo.com GlobalCom Stand-alone
Think Bingo.com GlobalCom Think Bingo Network
ThinkBingoPlus.com GlobalCom Think Bingo Network
Bingo Scotland GlobalCom Think Bingo Network
Jackpot Joy Gamesys Stand-alone
Bingo Liner.co.uk LeapFrog Stand-alone
BingoBingo UK Parlay St Minver
Bingo.uk.com Parlay St Minver
Butlins Bingo.co.uk Parlay St Minver
Castle Bingo Parlay St Minver
CheggersBingo.com Parlay St Minver
Chit Chat Bingo Parlay St Minver
iVillage Bingo Parlay St Minver
Littlewoods Bingo Parlay St Minver
Park Bingo.co.uk Parlay St Minver
Speed Dater Bingo Parlay St Minver
Virgin Bingo Parlay St Minver
Yahoo Bingo Parlay St Minver
www.winnersbingo.co.uk Parlay St Minver
Rehab Bingo Parlay Stand alone
123Bingo UK Parlay Stand-alone
Astro Bingo.co.uk Parlay Stand-alone
Bingo Palace.co.uk Parlay Stand-alone
Thepalaces.com Parlay Stand-alone
Bingomania.co.uk Parlay Stand-alone
Site Software Network
Bingonanza.co.uk Parlay Stand-alone
Bingos.co.uk Parlay Stand-alone
Big Heart Bingo Parlay TGN (The Gaming Network)
Bingo Boogie.co.uk Parlay TGN (The Gaming Network)
Bingo Tonic Parlay TGN (The Gaming Network)
Furry Bingo Parlay TGN (The Gaming Network)
Gardening Bingo (Emap) Parlay TGN (The Gaming Network)
MagicFM Bingo (Emap) Parlay TGN (The Gaming Network)
Mother and Baby Bingo (Emap) Parlay TGN (The Gaming Network)
New Woman Blingo (Emap) Parlay TGN (The Gaming Network)
Top Sante Bingo (Emap) Parlay TGN (The Gaming Network)
Winzingo Parlay TGN (The Gaming Network)
Yours Bingo (Emap) Parlay TGN (The Gaming Network)
PaddyPowerBingo Parlay TGN (The Gaming Network)
Kiwi Bingo.co.uk Playtech Playtech Bingoland Network
Ruby Bingo.co.uk Playtech Playtech Bingoland Network
Mapaubingo Playtech Playtech Bingoland Network
Blackpool Bingo.co.uk Playtech Stand-alone
Gala Bingo.co.uk Proprietary Stand-alone
Software
Bingo Rooms ProWager BingoRoomNetwork
Systems
Bingo Today ProWager BingoRoomNetwork
Systems
Bingo101 ProWager BingoRoomNetwork
Systems
Daily Star Bingo ProWager BingoRoomNetwork
Systems
UK Bingo Room ProWager BingoRoomNetwork
Systems
Free Bingo.co.uk ProWager
Systems Stand-alone
iBingo UK QuadCard Stand-alone
Entertainment
Sun Bingo Tombola Sun/News of the World
Network*
NOTWBingo Tombola Sun/News of the World
Network*
Bingo Loopy.co.uk VirtueFusion Crown Bingo Network
Crown Bingo.co.uk VirtueFusion Crown Bingo Network
Simply Bingo.co.uk VirtueFusion Crown Bingo Network
Blue Square Bingo VirtueFusion Mecca Games/Blue Sq
Stand-alone
Mecca Games Virtue Fusion Stand-alone
Mecca Bingo Virtue Fusion Stand-alone
Ladbrokes Bingo Virtue Fusion Stand-alone
Vernons Bingo Virtue Fusion Stand-alone
William Hill Bingo Virtue Fusion Virtue Fusion Network
Bet365 Virtue Fusion Virtue Fusion Network
Bonanza Bingo Virtue Fusion Bonanza Network
Fruit Bingo Virtue Fusion Bonanza Network
Carlton Bingo Virtue Fusion Bonanza Network
Capitol Bingo Virtue Fusion Bonanza Network
Buckingham Bingo Virtue Fusion Bonanza Network
Beach Bingo Virtue Fusion Bonanza Network
Coronet Bingo Virtue Fusion Bonanza Network
Premier Bingo Virtue Fusion Bonanza Network
Leo Leisure Virtue Fusion Bonanza Network
Site Software Network
KEY COMPANIES IN ONLINE BINGO
virtuefusion.com Virtue Fusion
Bingo Networks Bingo Networks Alderney
Parlay Group.com Parlay Entertainment
stminver.com St Minver
thegamingnetwork.com The Gaming Network
playtech.com Playtech
chartwellgames.com Chartwell Technology Inc
bingotek.com Bingotek
Gamesyscorporate.com Gamesys
aquagaming.com Aqua Gaming
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Title................ Name/Initial ..............................................................................................
Surname...........................................................................................................................
Company name ................................................................................................................
Company address ............................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
Town.................................................................................................................................
County/state......................................................................................................................
Post/zip code ....................................................................................................................
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17
Why jackpots have rocketed
Jackpot fever! It's the only way to
describe last year's astounding growth
of online bingo prizes. In 2006 alone,
the size and frequency of big bingo jackpots
nearly doubled industry-wide. These
days, it's not uncommon to see
progressive jackpots regularly paying
out £30,000 to £60,000, with some
prizes topping £100,000 - unheard of
just a few years ago.
It begs the questions: Do the
skyrocketing prizes provide a true
reflection of industry growth? Can it all be
attributed to massive increases in player
liquidity? Are operators loosening their
purse strings in an effort to create buzz in
an increasingly crowded marketplace?
Industry experts report that in most
cases the increase in jumbo jackpots is
part of the market's natural progression,
especially in the UK where there's been a
massive upswing in player liquidity over
the past year. 'Obviously, the more
people playing, the more cards sold, thus
the bigger the jackpots,' says Phil Fraser,
founder of WhichBingo.com, a leading
portal for online bingo.
Yet Fraser doesn't deny that plenty of
massive prizes are loss leaders funded
through the marketing budgets of sites that
are under constant pressure to create a buzz
for themselves.
'A key to any online gambling business is to
get the attention of players by running jackpots
and promotions that are shocking or might
seem outrageous,' says Stuart Gordon,
president of BingoMania.com 'You need to
draw attention and big jackpots are
sometimes a strategic marketing expense to
get people talking.'
What surveys say
But do huge prizes really reel in the players? Phil
Fraser thinks so. Results from an on-going
player survey at his site indicate that the top two
things players look for when considering new
bingo sites are sign-up bonuses and prizes.
It also pays to build and maintain trust, says
Leigh Nissim, managing director of St. Minver
(UK), a leading operator of branded bingo sites
such as VirginBingo.com
'You can offer headline jackpots with
unrealistic odds of winning but if they are never
won players are apt to go to a site where they
have a better chance at winning a smaller prize.
Besides, big jackpots might get players through
the door, but trust and customer service are
what keep them playing at your site.'
St. Minver commissioned its own
research in 2006 and asked 2,700 players to
rank in order of importance their reasons
for preferring a site. Jackpots were
ranked fourth, after ease of deposit and
withdrawal, trust and customer service.
'Yes, people do want to win big prizes,' says
Nissim. 'But it's more important to them where
they deposit their funds and whether they have
a good customer experience. That is over and
above headline prizes.'
Stuart Gordon agrees that jackpots are key,
but adds they're just one part of a site's overall
value proposition. 'We're not just trying to reel in
people by only pushing the biggest jackpots.
We're trying to show them we're different from
the rest. We have a great community that's not
just about bingo and chat, but also about social
networking. We're trying to differentiate
ourselves from other operators and really
provide a unique experience.'
Nonetheless, he says BingoMania.com
awarded more than 90 million dollars (USD) in
winnings in 2006, which was a 25 per cent
increase over 2005.
Life-changing prizes
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of working
in online gaming is the chance to see how big
wins can change lives. In November 2006,
Virgin Bingo (part of the St. Minver network)
awarded more than £91,000 to a 63-year-old
Stockport woman. Her stake was only £3.
'I hardly slept last night, I'm so excited!' she
wrote on VirginBingo.com 'I'm going to buy a
new car, I've been able to help my family out at
Christmas and I can now help my daughter with
her wedding plans for next year. I still can't
believe it!'
St. Minver's progressive jackpot (aptly named
The Giant) was modelled to pay out about once
a month. 'We take a small portion of every
ticket sold across all of our UK sites and put it
towards the jackpot,' says Leigh Nissim.
'November's big prize had been building for nine
weeks, but within two weeks we had another
one go for £32,000.'
Guaranteed games
While progressive jackpots such as
The Giant are incredibly popular,
what really gets players excited are
one-off jackpot games that
guarantee when a big prize will be
won. These guaranteed games,
which often promise prizes from
£5,000 to £15,000 and up, are
usually loss leaders for operators.
Paul Leggett, Director of
Professional Services for bingo
software developer Parlay
Entertainment, explains: 'Operators
will sometimes take a loss on one
big game, in order to attract people
to the site. But that is often balanced
by holding a bit more of the rake
than they normally would in the
games surrounding the big game. It tends to
balance out in the end.'
The year ahead
If bingo prizes soared in 2006, what can we
expect for 2007? For St. Minver, it's full speed
ahead. Nissim reports that the company plans
to pool the liquidity of its UK, Spanish, Swedish
and Norwegian bingo networks to create a
mega euro jackpot, available in all streams. The
jackpot is anticipated to pay out a quarter of a
million euros (roughly $325,000 USD) each
month and will be run across all St. Minver sites.
Parlay's Leggett also has a bullish outlook.
'It's going to be even bigger than last year,' he
says. 'There is still a lot of opportunity. Every
day there are more online bingo players, and
I don't think that trend is going to stop. Even
the US continues to grow regardless of
obstacles like the new legislation. And as the
markets grow, large jackpots and other prizes
will grow with it.'
Tyler Schwartz, of Parlay Entertainment, explains
why online bingo is getting bigger and bigger
18
Online Bingo Site
of the Year awards
Mecca Bingo Virtue Fusion
Gala Bingo In-house
Bingonanza Parlay
Thinkbingo Globalcom
Bingoliner Leapfrog
Bingos Parlay
Bingomania Parlay
Kiwibingo Playtech
Freebingo In-house
Sunbingo Tombola
TOP TEN -
online sites as voted
for by players
Mecca Bingo has won the 2006
online Bingo Site of the
Year award.
WhichBingo.com, the internet's largest
bingo directory, has been running it's
Site of the Year award since
2003. For the 2006 awards, in
recognition of the recent
explosion in UK online bingo, it
ran its first UK-only Site of the
Year award, launched to
recognise excellence and
decided by players, who voted on
sites during December 2006.
The award is the first of its kind in UK
online bingo and received an enormous
amount of votes, with results tight
throughout the voting period.
When all the votes were counted the
winner was Mecca Bingo, operating on
Virtue Fusion software. The runner-up
was Gala Bingo, operating on its
in-house software. Voting was
not dominated by
land-based brands, with the
remainder of the top ten
being drawn from
exclusively online bingo
operators.
The award will be offered
again this year, with voting taking
place throughout December 2007.
For more information, visit
www.which bingo.co.uk
online
In order to more accurately reflect its overall business, the Crown
Bingo Network has renamed itself the Better Bingo Network, as
part of a re-branding exercise.
The newly named Better Bingo Network will consist of the three current
sites - Simply Bingo, Bingo Loopy and Crown Bingo - and several more
in the coming months.
Managing director Dan Smyth said: 'With our network expanding so
quickly and so many more sites coming on board we felt that the Crown
Bingo brand did not best explain what we are doing.
'We believe our network can offer partners a better deal than any
competitor, both in terms of the online bingo experience but also in terms
of what we can deliver to our partners. Our record of customer retention
and maximising the returns on activity demonstrates why we genuinely
feel we are a better bingo network.'
The change in network name also comes at a time when the company
claims to be able to offer partners access to the world of online bingo in
record time. New partner sites joining the Better Bingo Network will have
access to a wealth of marketing support and resources. Smyth said:
'We've been doing this a long time now and have a wealth of expertise
when it comes to launching and marketing websites. We work closely
with our partners to ensure they reach their potential and are on-hand
every step of the way.'
Details of the Better Bingo Network can be found at
www.bbnetwork.co.uk
Better Bingo from
Crown Bingo Network
More News
Bingo supporters travelled to London from all
over the UK to cheer on their favourites in
the National Bingo Caller of the Year final
and packed the club, with latecomers being turned
away disappointed.
The 13th National Bingo Caller of the Year final took
place on Sunday 27 November, at the Gala Club in
Surrey Quays, south east London and what an
incredible day it was!
In a fun-packed day, the regional finalists each did
their stuff for the audience and judges before Brett
Hyrjak, representing the South, was made National
Bingo Caller of the Year 2006.
The club's general manager, Aslam Mussa, and his
assistant manager Colin Bell - who was once a
regional finalist in the competition - plus all the staff at
Surrey Quays, helped to ensure the day was a great
success and made everyone really welcome. The club
also provided a superb free lunch, free bubbly and
cabaret by Double Impact.
TV personality Esther Rantzen was this year's
celebrity host and she gave each of the contestants a
great introduction as she called them on stage to
demonstrate their showmanship, chatting to each in
turn and on occasion teasing them about their CV.
Chris McHenry's supporters travelled from the
Buckingham Club in Middleton to cheer him on.
Their coach was held up for a while, but they made it
through in time to see him take the stage and wow
the audience with his rendition of Frank Sinatra's
Summer Wind.
continued on page 4 continued on page 3
Smoking ban
D-day in England and Wales
Legislation Bingo for Breakthrough
Gambling Act latest 2006 - more pink than ever!
The only magazine produced for the UK Bingo Industry Issue 76 January 2007 BINGOLINK
Caller of the Year 2006
Esther Rantzen, winner Brett and his fiancée Maxine
Have they
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for you!
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is one of the leading
international exhibitions
for the gaming, gambling and
amusement industries,
attracting more than 24,000
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