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UK Government Comes to Bingo Industry Aid |
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Thursday, 26 June 2008 |
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The struggling UK bingo industry was provided with some relief this week, after the country’s government announced measures to boost revenues in bingo halls that have seen a 15% decline in the past year. Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe said that bingo halls would be allowed to increase the number of £1-stake/£500-prize slot machines from four to eight per property, allowing these businesses to enjoy bigger profits. “Bingo clubs also play a crucial role in many communities and we want to see that continue,” said Sutcliffe. “For some people, especially older and retired women, bingo is their main leisure pursuit. It is therefore of great concern that nearly 100 bingo clubs have closed in the last four years. Having listened carefully to the case put forward by bingo clubs, I am persuaded that a number of special circumstances apply to the bingo industry. I’m confident that allowing a small increase in bingo clubs, where gaming machines are not the main reason for people to attend, will provide much needed help to struggling clubs without putting public protection at risk. I hope to implement these plans by the end of the year.”
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