Bingo is one of the most popular gambling games in the world, but it has traditionally been a game for older people. Senior citizens get together in bingo halls to play together and enjoy some camaraderie. In recent years, though, the demographic has changed for bingo. Online bingo has introduced the game to younger generations and the game is becoming more popular with the youth. While that is good for the game, some worry that the online casinos are hurting business for the bingo halls.
Some people, out of convenience, would rather simply play online bingo within their own home rather than traveling to a bingo hall to play against friends. Tom Greatrex, a member of parliament representing Rutherglen and Hamilton West, wants to make legislative changes to help the brick and mortar bingo halls. The UK politician recently visited Mecca, one of the most popular bingo halls in the UK, where he proposed reducing the tax on bingo.
Currently bingo is taxed at a higher rate than most gambling games and Greatrex wants to increase profitability for the venues by easing the tax burden. In addition, fewer taxes could result in higher winnings for the players.
Speaking at Mecca, Greatrex said that “bingo has a very important social function in communities throughout my constituency, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds for a fun few hours. It is concerning, then, that bingo should be subject to higher levels of taxation than other forms of gambling.”
While bingo can be enjoyed at home alone by playing online, it is more enjoyable as a social activity, he says. MP Greatrex wrote a letter to Justine Greening, the Treasury Minister, requesting a reduction of the bingo tax.