Slot Machine in Bingo Halls, More Uncertainty

Although many land based bingo halls are making applications to split premises and side-line the law by making applications for “adult gaming centre” licenses, there is still a great deal of uncertainty surrounding this move. Apparently these highly lucrative machines are a growth driver, but the question is whether the Government regulates them so stringently to protect the user, or do they merely tax them more in order to shore up treasury funds?

Both of the answers to these questions are unhelpful to the bingo and other land based gaming industries. Ian Burke the Chief Executive Officer of the Rank group, welcomed the decision by Minister Gerry Sutcliffe to double the amount of ₤500 slots allowed in bingo halls. This means that following on a maximum cap of four machines, soon eight will be allowed. But bingo halls are not waiting in line for the government to institute the new allotment; they are already applying for licenses to split premises.

These highly lucrative machines are a vital part of profitability for bingo clubs in the UK and Mecca bingo has already been able to double the amount of these machines in 29 of their UK clubs, with further approval for another 15, by way of multiple license applications.

Fortunately, none of this applies to the online form of bingo. Many online bingo sites have side games and slots, but they do not face anything like the issues that the land based industry is presently experiencing.

That being said the Gambling Commission is now seeking ways to tighten rules these rules but regardless of this, Mecca bingo would resist any move the Commission or Government makes to the number of slot machines they now presently house.