The two biggest names in bingo are getting set for a new kind of competition. With the majority of bingo clubs between them, two of the best known online bingo sites, casinos and competing sports betting businesses the two companies are used to facing up to one another. It is good to see the two companies competing on the sports field to benefit the Marie Curie Cancer Care and Sue Ryder Care. On Monday 30th August Mecca Bingo and Gala Bingo in Plymouth will be facing each other over a game of football.

The 5-aside match starts at 1pm along with a fete in the Plymouth Stonehouse Recreation Ground where there will be book stalls, raffles and other family favourites. With both the clubs having local customers there are hopes of a high turnout.

Mecca Bingo is raising funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care this year. The charity employs over 2,700 doctors, nurses and other health care professionals and care for approximately 29,000 terminally ill patients, both in their hospices and in people’s homes. Mecca Bingo aims to fund 10,000 hours of home nursing care through a variety of fund raising efforts this year.

Rivals Gala Bingo are also supporting a top charity. Sue Ryder Care provides long term and end of life care for people living with various conditions, such as strokes, multiple sclerosis, cancer and Huntington’s disease. The gaming giant has pledged to raise £1.5million by the end of 2010.

Gala Manager, David Gregory-Clements who has organised the game commented: “It’s really gaining some momentum now and we’re all looking forward to the day. This five-a-side tournament not only allows us to generate a bit of friendly rivalry between the local bingo clubs but also to do something really positive for both of our charities. We are all hoping the day will be well supported. May the best team win!”

His counterpart, Nigel Green, Mecca General Manager at Devonport added: “The team has been training hard and we are all really pleased to be taking on a rival local bingo club to raise money for both charities! It should certainly be a lot of fun on the day and we hope our customers and team members will come along to show their support and help us raise a lot of money.”