In March last year it was reported that Buckingham Bingo Clubs, based in Manchester and with clubs around the North of England, was in crisis talks with Barclay’s Bank. The smoking ban, double taxation and the gambling laws had caused revenue to fall sharply at the company’s 12 purpose-built bingo clubs. Buckingham Bingo was founded over 30 years ago and is the UK’s largest independent bingo club operator.

Following a massive refinancing the owners of Buckingham Bingo have lost control to Barclays Bank although as yet there are no plans to close down the company. A proposed merger with rival Riva Bingo has stalled over the question of debt. Riva has 13 bingo clubs around the UK and claims to operate the first live bingo hall online. Buckingham Bingo also operates BuckyBingo.co.uk.

The online bingo business continues to grow in the UK but land-based bingo halls are closing. Buckingham Bingo has reported a loss of £88.7 million and is in new talks with Barclays. Bingo operators around the country continue to lobby the government and recently won an Order that increases Category B3 Gaming Machines in bingo halls from 4 to 8. They are still fighting to get the double taxation law rescinded. (E-02.12.09)

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