SNP candidates have shown their support for bingo this week, in the final photocall before the General Election today. Dundee candidates Stewart Hosie and Jim Barrie met with the staff and management at the Mecca Bingo club in Nethergate.
The two candidates were invited to the Mecca club by the Bingo Association. The SNP have been warning voters that the future of the UK's favourite past time is at risk under the current tax regime after Labour increased the bingo tax from 15% to 22%. Although it was brought down to 20 percent in the last budget.

The SNP are supporting a fairer tax system accross all forms of gaming. While Casino operators pay slightly higher than bingo clubs, all other forms of gaming tax is lower, with online online bingo operators not paying any UK bingo duty. Advocates for a change want a flat 15% accross the sector.

Stewart Hosie, the Dundee East Candidate had previously supported an amendment to the Finance Bill on  the floor of the House of Commons to restore the pre-budget duty levels, which was opposed as Labour MPs supported there Government.

Mr Hosie added: “This tax hike on bingo clubs is unfair. Bingo is a highly popular social activity yet is paying 22% while duty on other forms of gambling including sports betting, casino and online poker and football pools will remain at 15%.

Jim Barrie commented; “In scores of communities across Scotland, the bingo club is a vital part of the social fabric. It offers good quality, safe entertainment and social facilities providing fun, enjoyment and friendship for many people, particularly women.

“This Westminster tax-hike in the midst of the deepest recession for more than 60 years will affect many in Dundee and across Scotland.”

Both members of the party took time out to talk to the customers between the games of bingo and joked that the SNP were looking for a ‘full house’ in Dundee by winning both city seats.