The Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan is planning on converting one of the former Buckingham Bingo clubs into a gym. DW Sports Fitness has submitted an application in respect of the bingo club in the Liverpool suburb Speke to the Liverpool City Council.

The founder of JJB Sports set up the fitness chain in 2009, buying out the JJB’s leisure operations which included 50 gyms and associated shops. Since the acquisition DW Sports Fitness now operates around 60 locations.

Buckingham Bingo was broken up and sold 3 months ago following extensive financials difficulties.

What Happened to Buckingham Bingo?

Club3000, which is by entrepreneur Brian Fraser, acquired the Buckingham Bingo clubs in Middleton, Trafford, Walkden, Peterlee in Co Durham, Bradford, Preston and Huyton, Liverpool. Brian Fraser already operated three other clubs in Scotland and south Wales under the Club3000 brand.

Castle Leisure a privately-owned group which has 11 bingo clubs following the deal, acquired the Buckingham Bingo clubs in Corby and Bootle. The company clearly has ambitious concerns after moving into the bingo market in England in December with the purchase of the club in Birmingham. Prior to December the company locations were all within Wales.

The sports betting operator, Betfred, acquired BuckyBingo.com and sister site BOGOFBingo.com.