Sunday 25th of October 2009
Online bingo on the up
Online bingo is going from strength to strength, according to the findings of a new study.
Reviewing the market: The 2009 global gaming bulletin, a 96-page report from tax specialists Ernst & Young, looked into the state of the gaming sector in the UK and eight other major markets.
Despite the recession, it noted that online gaming has yet to experience a downturn with many bingo operators actively expanding their presence in 2008.
And in news that will be of little surprise to Bucky Bingo members, the report suggested that the prospects remain good for online bingo.
Thomas Roche, global gaming leader at Ernst & Young, explained: "Online games provide a form of escapism for people during the difficult times and the potential audience is huge - anyone with an internet connection.
"The past year has already seen accelerated growth in this area as online games become a fun, cost-effective alternative to other leisure activities during an economic downturn."
Online bingo and smoking bans
Interestingly, the report also touched upon the effect of smoking bans across the world.
It was felt that the legislation had significantly impacted the bingo industry in places like England, where bingo clubs went smoke-free on July 1st 2007.
However, Bucky Bingo has found many people are beginning to realise that online bingo allows them to play without stubbing out their cigarettes.
The study ended on a positive note.
Although analysts dismissed suggestions that the gambling industry was recession-proof, it was pointed out that many operators had significantly reduced costs and so are well placed to emerge stronger as the economy recovers.
One issue that continues to threaten British gaming is the proposed tax hike for bingo clubs.
Back in April 2009, chancellor Alistair Darling pulled a surprise in his budget by announcing that the tax rate for bingo clubs would be raised from 15 per cent to 22 per cent.
The news prompted a rapid response from clubs in the form of the I'm Backing Bingo campaign group, which is urging supporters to write to their MP, sign a Downing Street e-petition and join the official Facebook group.
