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Displaying the latest 10 blog posts.

  • Gala Bingo Charity Climb

    By Lisa West on Sunday, 30th August 2009

    Gala Bingo have had a few problems this year, to say the least.  Even so, it hasn’t affected their generosity!  Not only do Gala pay out more than £15Million every week in prize money, they have also raised a lot of money for charity.  Since their launch, Gala Bingo have given a percentage of ticket sales to the Sue Rider Foundation.  This is a charity, which provides care for people who are suffering from long term and terminal illnesses; Parkinson and Huntington’s Disease; Multiple Sclerosis; Cancer; and support for their families and loved ones.

    Gala Bingo have set a target, to raise over a million pounds for the Sue Rider foundation over the next eighteen months.  To get things moving along, twenty four employees at Gala Bingo have volunteered to climb seventy five miles up Everest, on a 2,700mtr ascent.  It is hoped that sponsorship will raise £100.000 for the fund.  The volunteers will leave for the Everest base camp on October 16th, and with everything going to plan, they should arrive on November 3rd.  Quite a trek!  

    Paul Woodward is Chief executive for the Sue Ryder foundation, and of course, he has shown his complete support for the Gala Bingo staff’s endeavours.  Woodward stated that the charity were “delighted”, and that the money they raise will make “a real difference” to thousand’s of peoples lives.  Gala Bingo players can support the fundraiser, simply by playing their favourite game.  From August 27th, Gala Bingo are holding a special 90ball link game, every Tuesday night at 7.25pm.  For every pound players spend on tickets, Gala will put 10p in the Kitty.  Compared to climbing mount Everest, this is a walk in the park!  Why not offer your support, as they say, every little helps!


    This was an article by Lisa for Bingo Faces on Gala Bingo Charity Fundraiser

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  • Online Bingo Operators Facing A New Problem?

    By Lisa West on Saturday, 29th August 2009

    This time it is the online Bingo Operators who are going to have to ride the wave of change.  I’m sure that will make a refreshing change for the land based Bingo Hall operators, to see the “others” getting some flack!  A new security move by Mastercard could have a significant backlash on the Online operators.  Mastercard are introducing a new state of the art online secure payment system, to be known as Secure 3D.  The new verification system is not just something that will be required for Bingo websites, it will be required to complete many online transactions, for various services and purchases.  

    The new Secure 3D is a “secure code verification” system, which cardholders will have to join up for the “Mastercard Secure Code Service”.  If they don’t, their transactions will be refused. The system is not complicated, similar to having a ’chip and pin’, just online.  Effectively, it is a password.  Now, that all seems innocent enough, and easy enough too.  However!!  Where the Mastercard plan becomes less than masterful, is that not all the banks have agreed to go along with the scheme.  This means, if your bank is one of them, you have two choices.  Abandon Online Bingo, or abandon your bank!  Lol!  Without doubt, this could cause a major ‘glitch in the program’ for online operators.  

    Of course, it’s not expected that people will abandon Online Bingo, most will go find a bank that has joined up.  However, that could take time, and so it looks like it, inevitably, revenue will be lost.  Akin to the land based Bingo Halls, smaller Online Bingo Operators will be sure to feel the blow the most.  As to what extent the damage will be, or even if there will be any long term affects, it is impossible to predict.  Although it is possible to hypothesize.  So far, the Online Bingo Operators have, pretty much, had it their own way.  This looks like the first glitch they have had to deal with, so far.  Even so, they say things come in threes… it did for the Bingo Halls.  Let’s just hope, the kill joys down at Westminster, are satisfied with their spoils so far. Lol


    This was an article by Lisa for Bingo Faces on Online Bingo

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  • The Fate of Ex Gala Bingo Hall Still Undecided

    By Lisa West on Friday, 28th August 2009

    Many local Bingo halls have been forced to close their doors over the last twelve months, and it is not only the small operators who have been hit.  The closure of many Gala Bingo Halls has been big news, as have their debts.  And, while players might lose their local hall, and others their jobs, it all begs another question.  What’s going to happen to all these buildings? One such hall is the ex Gala Bingo club in Upper Norward, which is situated in the borough of Bromley, south London.  Word has it, there are two groups who would like to take over.  They are, the Evangelical Church, and City Screen.  The Evangelical Church have already submitted plans to the council, to convert the Gala Bingo Hall.  However, this has been met by a stream of protests, and a petition with more than 5000 signatures.  

    It seems that Bromley locals would prefer the old Gala Bingo hall to be used as an “Art House” cinema.  Even so, the Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) already own the freehold to the building, and only need the council to agree a ‘change of use’.  The Bingo Hall was closed by the Gala group some time ago, so, there is a gap which needs to be filled within the community.  The KICC have stated that the new “Church” would act as a central meeting place for people in the local community, is which case, everyone will benefit.  Although it goes without saying, there is a lot of difference, with regards to entertainment value, between an Evangelical Church and an Art House movie theatre!

    Currently, the Evangelist headquarters is based in rented  premises, in the borough of Wimbledon.  Their proposals include a café and bookshop, plus they intend to offer counselling services, a youth club, and skills training.  Plus, they also plan to provide a weekly free family film viewing.  Regardless, the locals seem to favour the Art House cinema, and it looks like the Evangelical Church are going to have a fight on their hands if they decide to go ahead.  Despite their good faith and determination, their fate seems even less optimistic than the Gala Bingo Hall before it.  I guess, as always, everyone will just have to wait and see!


    This was an article by Lisa for Bingo faces on Gala bingo Halls

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  • Players Asked To Sign Online Bingo Petition

    By Lisa West on Thursday, 27th August 2009

    Since the government raised the taxes for Bingo from 15% to 22%, things have gone from bad to worse for many UK Bingo Operators.  There have been protests and petitions, however, nothing seems to have been able to dissuade the government to date.  Nevertheless, neither the Bingo industry or the players are quite ready to give it up just yet.

     Only a short while ago, John Hayes, a MP for the Conservative party stated that he would be doing his utmost to try and convince the government to reverse it’s decision.  Even if the government does decide to reduce the current rate, it still might not be enough to save some of the Bingo Halls.  It may just be too little, too late.

    Romsey Liberal MP, Sandra Gidley has set up an online petition, protesting against the governments recent tax hike.  Of course, she has made a point of calling upon the people of Romley to sign the petition.  To date, over 2.500 people have done just that.  Everyone is invited to sign, it is not exclusive to the people of Romley. It only takes a minute.  You will find it here: http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/Bingoplayers/ - and without doubt, the Bingo Halls need all the support they can get right now.  

    When local Bingo Halls are forced to close down, people lose their jobs, as well as a central meeting point for the community.  As Gidley pointed out, the “government killjoys just don't seem to understand the threat” the Bingo operators are under”.  So, it looks like it’s going to be up to the players, to make them understand!

    Another Liberal MP, John Barrett, for Edinburgh West, has also given his support, and signed the petition.  He also believes that the tax raise will finish off many of the Bingo Halls who are already struggling to keep out of the red.  Barrett recently stated in an interview with a local paper, that the government were using Bingo operators as a “cash cow”.  However, as Barrett realises, rather than bringing in revenue, it is just creating “more gaps in high streets."

    This is an article by Lisa for Bingofaces on the Bingo Petition

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  • Is it Goodbye? Farewell or Adious?

    By Lisa West on Wednesday, 26th August 2009

    Long gone are the smoke filled church halls, buzzing with excited housewives and the old boy from down the road.  At first, things naturally moved on.  The church hall was turned into a permanent bingo players paradise, and even local cinemas moved over, to make space for the mighty Bingo Game.  All was looking rosy in the garden pf Bingo, until the bingo operators were subject to a big, triple whammy of bad breaks. First, there was the smoking ban, closely followed by a worldwide economic breakdown.  Then, the world of online bingo came along, leaving land based Bingo Halls, juggling balls, as opposed to calling them.  Even at this point, it looked like many of the UK Bingo Halls were going to be heading for a fall.  

    Just in case the land based operators didn’t quite make it to rock bottom, the UK government decided to replace the possibility, with probability; and without hesitation, introduced a new crippling tax rate - Despite the fact that anyone and everyone, who knows anything about the Bingo industry, said this would be the final straw to break the Camels back.  At this point, the days of Winnie the Pooh and Danny la Rue seemed numbered. Indeed, this has turned out to be one of those times when everyone would love NOT to say, “I told you so”.  Unfortunately, the inevitable has happened.

    The UK government, in their infinite wisdom, have ensured that already vulnerable Bingo Halls have been forced to close their doors, permanently.  In addition, the operators who actually manage to make money, have packed their bags for Gibraltar.  Well, that worked guys! didn’t it?  So, what do we have now?  If you're lucky, you still have your local Bingo Hall.  However, the real question is, “for how long”?   Of course, the government has defended its decisions, all the way.  Over and over again, when questioned, Angela Eagle (treasury minister) just keeps on repeating herself, "the level of taxation for bingo is about the average for gambling".  And?  So when is this idealised philosophy going to be replaced by reality?  Has she not considered, if there are no bingo halls, then there are no taxes… Surely, 15% of something is better than 22% of nothing?  Or am I working from a different abacus here???  Hey! Haven’t we heard this somewhere before? Isn’t that kind of, there is no bread, “so let them eat cake”… How detached can they be?  The story continues…

    This was an article by Lisa writen for Bingo Faces on Bingo Halls

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  • Moody Research for Bingo Halls

    By Lisa West on Tuesday, 25th August 2009

    The latest financial predictions, for the future of the UK Bingo industry, are about as optimistic as you might imagine.  Moody is one of the UK’s leading credit agencies.  According to their figures, the latest government tax hike could easily be thee writing on the wall for many of the smaller bingo operators.  That might seem like a fairly rudimentary, and somewhat superfluous statement. Especially after all the petitions and protests against the 7% rise.  It was pointed out a zillions times, it was highly debateable, as to whether the UK’s land based bingo halls could take the financial strain. Many of them were already suffering from lower attendance, since the introduction of the smoking ban.

    Moody’s research specifically points out the possibility of smaller operators falling foul of the new tax rate.  Their results were based upon an analysis for the Rank Group, who are among the leading gaming operators of Europe.  They are based in the UK, and their primary business activities is bingo halls and casinos.  The Rank Group are the parent company of Mecca Bingo.  To date, their online gaming and bookmaking concerns were considered complementary; although not secondary.  It will be interesting to see if this report sways that balance.  

    The Moody report concluded that the 7% rise would render the land based bingo industry  “volatile”.  Just look around at the latest bingo news, and you can see just how unstable things have become.  Even the bingo halls who have, so far, managed to keep their heads above water, understand this may be a short lived respite.  A mere calm before the storm.  Moody also point out: While the recent victory, by Rank, over the UK Vat man, may install a certain amount of breathing space for the company, the victory was not yet conclusive.  HMRC have lodged an appeal, and even if it is rebuked, it will still be a long while before Rank see the refund.  Either way, it doesn’t look like the smaller bingo halls have little to look forward to. 


    This was an article by lisa for bingo faces on UK Bingo Halls

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  • Free Play Phenomenon - Destined For A Fall?

    By Lisa West on Monday, 24th August 2009

    When Cheeky Bingo arrived, players simply couldn’t believe their luck!  Finally, a free bingo website that actually offered real cash prizes. Not just a fluffy teddy bear after 6months of winning jackpots!  Combining free games with paid games has become a big hit.  However, it does seem to be more of a hit for free players, in comparison to depositing members.  In fact, the stats are implying, a third of players are now logging into the free play websites on a regular basis.  

    This creates several problems for the operators.  The cash pots are a percentage of the money wagered in the paid games.  So, the money from the paid player pots is being dwindled by the free games.  That mean’s they are going to be upsetting their paying players, and without them?  If the operators take the slack themselves, it will dig into revenue. Which means, they will have all the expenses of running the site, advertising, PLUS have to part with more of their precious coffers for prize money. Either way, free bingo will be draining someone’s pockets!  

    This, in turn creates another problem.  The paying players are getting less for their money.  Now, we are also seeing a raise in stakes, as the big boys battle it out for a top position.  In a matter of months, the cash pots have quadrupled and more!  Players can even find free games around, with hundreds of pounds in prize money up for grabs.  Ultimately, it all begs a couple of questions.  Where is it all going? And, what is it actually achieving?  Are free games simply providing a slippery slope to no-man’s land?  If the players stop depositing, how will the operators actually make any money?  Sooner or later, something will have to give, or be taken away!  Nevertheless, players may as well enjoy the offer…. While it lasts!!!



    This was an article by lisa for bingo faces on free bingo

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  • Paid Players Rewarded With Exclusive Games at Costa Bingo

    By Lisa West on Sunday, 23rd August 2009

    When Costa Bingo was launched a while back, there was little doubt that this was going to be a successful free play site.  One of the first of those dedicated to free bingo, that was launched by the major bingo operators.  Until then, players did have access to free games, but the majority of the time, there was little about these free play Bingo sites to keep people coming back.  Most often, it would be a matter of playing and winning 400 times a day for the possibility of winning a packet of chewing gum at the end of the month!  

    Since the launch of Cheeky and Costa, many of the major operator have followed suit.  Only recently Cashcade launched Foxy Zero.  Now, many of the pay to play sites are changing tack. Either, extending the free promotional games they have in place, or taking steps to put them in place.  So, everything looks rosy in the free bingo garden at the moment.  Doesn’t it?  Without doubt, the free players are quite content getting their money for nothing and their kicks for free.. What’s not to like!  But the bottom line?  The money to run the free play sites, advertising, prizes etc has to come from somewhere.  

    Word on the grapevine is, there’s already a bit of rethinking going on…. And it looks like Costa Bingo are first off the mark.  They have just introduced a great new tiered, exclusive membership system.  After all, while the free bingo players are getting lots of treats passing their way, what are the paying players getting?  Now, at Costa Bingo, paying players get the chance to enter guaranteed prize pot games of up to £50.  The more a player deposits, the more exclusive games they can enter.  

    Costa Bingo have been swift to deal with the current ‘glitch in the system’.  Rewarding player loyalty counts, and this should help to make things a bit more favourable for depositing players.  Gold players have access to twelve exclusive games a day, and of course, these games are not packed out like the free play games.  This scheme definitely stacks the odds in favour of paying players.  Always nice to see!  






    This was an article written by lisa for bingo faces on costa Bingo

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  • Mecca Bingo's Big Success Story

    By Lisa West on Saturday, 22nd August 2009

    With so many land based Bingo Halls in trouble, and even the leading brand names struggling to keep finances on a level, it’s nice to hear some good news; for once!  It cost an incredible £5Million to convert a former cash and carry building into the brand swanky new Mecca Bingo Hall.  That’s a lot of investment, especially with the current economic climate, a smoking ban and the recent tax hike.  Plus!  The recent onslaught of Online Bingo operators offering penny Bingo and Free Bingo rooms by the tonne.  It’s been more than enough to see many, previously well established, Bingo Halls close their doors, permanently.  

    The brand new Mecca Bingo Hall in Beeston, near Nottingham, has become such a buzz point that even some of their competitors employees have made a beeline for Beeston (on their nights off of course!).  Looks like one Bingo Hall that is destined for success. Life hasn’t been easy for the land based Bingo operators of late.  Just when they thought the industry had received about as many blows as thought possible, they’ve now had to suffer the Swine Flu epidemic.  Even so, it just goes to prove, success is possible, even in the face of inevitable failure!  

    To get the new Mecca Bingo Hall of to a flying start, the grand opening of the new Queens Rd Bingo Hall was a not short of a gimmick or two.  There was plenty of fresh male flesh for the ladies shall we say!  The new Bingo Hall has made use of the latest state of the art technology, which, along with the live Bingo callers, make the game not so different to Online Bingo.  The callers are a lot more interactive with the players, wearing headsets, which allows them to move around.   Mecca have gone all out to make land based Bingo just that bit more exciting, and it looks like their players are having a great time!

    This was an article by Lisa on Mecca Bingo

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  • Scratch that Bingo Itch with The Daily Mail!

    By Lisa West on Friday, 21st August 2009

    The Daily Mail Bingo use the St Minver software platform which is actually powered by Parlay Bingo.  Curiously, although many of the St Minver websites tend to be all too similar, the Daily Mail site has managed to keep a bit of individuality.  If you fancy giving their Bingo Games a twirl, they will give you 10 free cards.  It seems just enough to test the water.  However, there are a lot of players who would like to see that offer being a little more generous!  They are certainly more generous with their first deposit bonus.  New players get a 100% cash match bonus, on anything from the minimum deposit of £10, right up to £125.  That’s a lot of free Bingo, by any standards.

    One of the things that stands out about the Daily Mail Bingo website, are the chat rooms.  This website has a lot of regular players, so the chat is amazingly friendly.  Everyone is there to have a good time, as well as maybe winning some cash playing their favourite game.  To help the newbies to Bingo find their feet, Daily Mail  Bingo have even supplied a handy ‘Bingo Lingo’ section, which has all the latest and most popular chat terms going.  No need for anyone to miss out on the Mail’s buzzing Bingo community!

    The Daily Mail Bingo website has a lot to offer their players.  So much so, you might want to invite your friends along.  Do that, and your Bingo Buddy can enjoy a double helping of free ‘try out’ tickets.  Plus, they’ll give you a free fiver on top.  Well worth spreading the word me thinks!  Wednesdays, you can treat yourself to some fab 1p Bingo, from 6am in the morning, right up until midnight.  Every day, just for logging in, Daily Mail Bingo will treat you to a free scratch card, and you could win £100.  So, if you’ve got a bit of Bingo itch, why not just go and scratch it!!!


    This was an article by Lisa on Daily Mail Bingo

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