The UK's largest bingo chain Gala Bingo have reported an increase in player numbers following on from the free bingo campaign last Thursday.  Many of the Gala Bingo clubs had to dust off the house full sign to prop up at the front of their doors as 53 clubs in their estate had well over 1000 customers in attendance. It is thought that over 250,000 players rushed out to be a part of the free bingo offering.  Many other bingo companies are reporting the same as the recession appears to be assisting in the demand for playing bingo.

Independent Bingo operator Roger Cooper commented that high unemployment often leads to boredom and the public are looking for a value for money activity and bingo traditionally has been the answer.  Spending is down in clubs as the bingo customers are controlling a much tighter budget.  It is also true to say that customers will reduce the amount of spending and plan an extra visit to extend their playing time.  The recession is a difficult time for every business but the general public do want to continue with their favourite pastime.  Bingo is the UK's number two pastime with fishing being recorded as top.

Bingo Supermarket is a huge fan of land based bingo and respects the way in which the industry have had to manage the demands of the new Gambling Bill as well as the smoking ban.  Although companies are still struggling to recover from these effects, new companies are being formed and existing companies are expected to expand in the next few years.