Bingo is experiencing a potential resurgence as a major operator reported the first increase in both attendance and revenue in nearly two decades. Buzz Bingo, with 77 clubs nationwide, saw a 2.5% growth in numbers last year and a 5% rise in the second half, marking the first simultaneous increase in admissions and sales since 2007.
CEO Dominic Mansour stated, “Bingo is seeing a notable revival throughout the UK.” The game, introduced from the US in the 1950s, gained popularity in the 1960s as cinemas were transformed into bingo halls. Despite its initial success, the 1980s saw a decline in attendance, exacerbated by the launch of the National Lottery in 1994.
Efforts by operators to rejuvenate the industry through innovative technologies and transforming bingo nights into vibrant events have led to speculations about a bingo renaissance in recent years. While there have been reports of a rise in younger players, the number of bingo venues has decreased from 335 pre-Covid to approximately 247 presently.
The Bingo Association revealed that the collective annual profit of all clubs in the UK amounts to around £35 million. However, a quarter of these profits were impacted by factors like the 2024 Autumn Budget, increased employers’ national insurance, and minimum wage adjustments.
Buzz Bingo has faced challenges, with its site count dropping from 137 before the pandemic, and admissions remaining low. Despite these setbacks, the company continues to operate famous bingo clubs like Granada, Ritz, Carlton, and Gala.
The closure of Buzz Bingo’s Shrewsbury club in January, sold after operating as a cinema since 1934 and a bingo club since 1973, is a recent development. The company boasts over a million members and welcomes nearly 100,000 players weekly.
CEO Mansour credited the recent success to technological advancements and club refurbishments. Revamped clubs have witnessed a 20% increase in admissions and a 50% rise in new customers. On average, members win £2 million weekly in clubs and £400,000 online, with expectations of continued growth in the coming years.
“We anticipate even stronger growth in 2026 and beyond as we reap the benefits of these investments,” Mansour added. He emphasized the importance of a stable regulatory environment to sustain this positive momentum following the abolition of Bingo Duty by the government.
Research indicates that bingo halls offer a hidden benefit to players, with a poll revealing that two-thirds of attendees felt less lonely after playing, despite half reporting feelings of loneliness before joining the games.