Despite being hit by a variety of problems in recent years, including smoking bans and high taxation, land-based bingo remains a relevant and cutting-edge sector, writes Chris Wosu.
THE bingo industry has suffered more than most in recent times. A punishing combination of tax increases, smoking bans and the after-effects of a recession painted a bleak picture for many bingo halls around the world. Add to that the looming shadow of the ever-growing online gaming sector, as well as additional competing land-based forms of entertainment, and it was clear the industry had to brace itself – shaking off traditional stereotypes and misconceptions in the process to remain competitive.
Signs that the bingo sector has remained resilient in difficult times are as clear as the HD tablet screens that can now be found displaying bingo games in clubs around the world. Despite its characteristically older customer base, the sector has been rejuvenated by a combination of technological innovation and online expansion.
It may have been expected that the smoking ban, which inevitably contributed to the closure of a number of clubs and social venues, would have caused profound damage to the sector. And to an extent it did. Traditional bingo clubs took much of the impact, with 13 being forced to close down in the UK alone during 2013. However, it also encouraged a variety of innovative trends - both online and in bingo clubs - that have continued to attract customers through the door.
“We believe that optimism is returning to the industry,” said Chris Shipley, sales and project manager at Leisure Electronics, a bingo solutions supplier. “The last few years have been very difficult for operators and customers alike, with the credit crunch biting hard into peoples’ pockets.
“But seeds of growth have been spotted recently and with the reduction in taxation, hopefully these can be nurtured.” Interestingly, one of the most significant trends in the industry in recent years has been the expansion of a younger player base. Electronic innovation has helped to fight the perception held by some that bingo is an out of touch industry and this has seen the rise of a new generation of bingo players.
Read the full article in the August issue of InterGame
