The time has truly come for the bingo industry in particular the land based sector to consider in coming together with a consensus on lobbying the government for future change. 

 The previous Government have caused major implications for the bingo industry with brash changes that have brought about hardship and the closure of many bingo businesses.  Gambling reform, new tax regime and the smoking ban have all contributed to a reduction in bingo players by dampening the enjoyment and making it increasingly difficult for operators to keep up with increased costs whilst seeing the turnover diminish.

Deputy Prime Minister Mr Nick Clegg is now to review regulations across the board by freeing up businesses from red tape stating "For too long new laws and regulations have taken away people's freedom, interfered in everyday life and made it difficult for businesses to get by.  That intrusion is wrong, it's disempowering and it's going to change".

The bingo industry should now grab the opportunity to act and tell the Deputy Prime Minister what is wrong with the industry how it stands now  and what changes need to be brought about to improve the bingo sector.  Let's not forget that changes have benefitted us in the past including a relaxation on advertising and the removal of the 24 hour applications.

Two distinct areas that the land based sector need to get together a consensus with are to discuss the smoking ban and the review.  Perhaps a reversal of legislation could save some in the industry; perhaps some operators would not like to revert back.  Let the industry perhaps through the Bingo Association discuss the policy of smoking to see if operators wish to bring it back to the table.  Bingo Supermarket believe that a reversal is highly unlikely as the pressure groups to support health often come way up the pecking order and may cause a revolt and the Government will be reluctant to rock the boat, but perhaps asking and refusing will throw more weight onto other arguments such as taxation as they may see it as a trade off.

It is still ridiculous that bingo in the UK is taxed at 20 percent whilst other forms of gambling on a like for like turnover such as bookmakers are taxed at 15 percent.  It is still a sexist tax and it heavily taxes a social demographic that is biased towards the working classes.  It is not fair that bingo clubs which are predominately female and working class should be taxed heavier than their middle class male counterparts.  One explanation the industry has received from the government about the differentiation in taxes was by Yvette Cooper who stated in a conversation with Dave Holt of Seldis Cooper "Bingo is taxed higher because that is how it has always been".  Mr Clegg, please read your statement above and then consider the taxation of bingo and address it, we hope to see that "It's going to change".

Bingo Supermarket is desperate for comments in particular bingo operators to air your views.  Please use the form for comment as these articles are picked up through the bingo industry and relevant comments and views will be passed directly on to people that have made a real change and will make beneficial changes for the future.