Is Online Bingo threatening our Bingo Halls?
I came across a website a few days ago, explaining how online bingo will have a positive effect on the local bingo hall. It suggested that the dwindling numbers in halls, which of course are related to the recession, smoking ban and most importantly the boom in online bingo. It continued to say that the smaller crowds would attract fresh blood, younger players who previously would have shied away from the crowded halls. However, having worked for a major bingo chain in the UK whom I will not name, I can tell you quite plainly this is not the case. It is true form a strictly sociological standpoint.
When people have less money, they gamble more. Fact.
Online Bingo is a welcome alternative
However they are also less inclined to make a day out, for gambling purposes. And of course the option of online bingo, surely is to them a welcome alternative. No need to buy drinks or food etc, leads to the belief that online bingo works out cheaper. Ok that maybe true, but a great deal of online bingo players are also members of their local club, and do attend, albeit less regularly. And this is where the problem arises. Due to the dwindling numbers I am aware of at least 6 clubs from the chain I was employed by closing and numerous more are in planning to be shut. And many of the competitors are having similar problems. Vast numbers of clubs are posting losses.
Bingo is a social activity too
So, what will happen if the bingo halls shut, for the solely online player it would make very little difference. In fact it could possibly be a benefit, more money, more players forced to do things your way for their fix. However, for the elderly things could be more concerning. Many such people go and play in the afternoons not simply to gamble, but for the simple pleasure of getting out of the house. I can also tell you not that I can speak for every club, but the one I worked for made less than 1% of a week’s profit across all the afternoons, it ran almost to cost. Ok, it was more for the sake of bulking up staff hours than the social service but, it was a social service nonetheless. So, whilst I would not suggest that you do not ignore online bingo. Personally I think the idea is fantastic. It’s great for if you fancy a flutter and can’t get out. It’s great for if you’ve not got the cash to play at your local hall. Or if you just can’t be bothered to leave the house. Although I would suggest that you make the attempt to visit your local club at least occasionally. Before it shuts.
