With the temperature outside rising a few degrees and most of the snow and ice melting land based bingo operators are looking forward to admissions returning to normal levels. There is much concern that 2011 will a challenging year and bingo clubs will have to take account of the changing needs of bingo customers.

With the impending VAT rise and fears of the economy eroding, maintaining revenues in the bingo industry may prove challenging in 2011. VAT is likely to add to inflationary pressure at a time when most employees will face a year without an increase in pay. There are many reports in the media that utility bills are likely to increase further within the coming months which add to problems. With VAT effecting most of the things that people buy it is hoped that interest rates remain unchanged for at least the majority of the year so that people are able to become accustomed to the increased cost of living. For many others working particularly in the public sector cuts mean they may lose their jobs. Many families are worried how they will manage to meet their bills if one member of the family loses their job and as such are ‘spending wisely’.

Predictions in the industry indicate that levels of admissions within bingo may increase in 2011, however players are likely to be attracted to bingo sessions that offer good ‘value for money’. Free bingo sessions and subsidised prize money sessions are likely to be essential to many clubs looking to safeguard their businesses this year.

It is believed with all the cut backs and bad news that is likely in 2011 that getting out playing bingo will become an attractive proposition. Clubs are likely to find that members come out with less money to spend and the social interaction plays a big part in the attraction. Problem gambling in particularly related to online bingo is likely to be a concern in 2011 as the most vulnerable people in society see gambling as the light at the end of the tunnel rather than a form of entertainment.