The UK recently celebrated its inaugural National Bingo Day, a resounding success that saw widespread participation from players and operators alike. The event, designed to re-energize the bingo community and attract new enthusiasts, featured special games, celebrity appearances, and significant charitable contributions, marking a new chapter for the beloved game.
A Nationwide Celebration
National Bingo Day, held on June 27th, was the culmination of a week-long celebration of bingo across the UK. The initiative aimed to highlight the social, fun, and safe aspects of bingo, both in clubs and online. Operators and players embraced the event, leading to a significant uplift in engagement and a positive reception from the public. The event’s success was evident in several key areas:
-
Increased Participation: Bingo clubs reported a 20% increase in trading compared to the previous week, with National Bingo Day itself seeing a 30% increase in activity.
-
Jackpot Wins: The National Bingo Game awarded u00a3100,000 in jackpots on National Bingo Day, with five winners sharing the prize.
-
Charitable Giving: Over u00a315,000 was raised for Variety – The Children’s Charity, continuing the bingo industry’s long-standing support, which has now reached nearly u00a32 million since 2015.
-
Celebrity Endorsement: Reality star Gemma Collins made a surprise appearance as a bingo caller in a London club, sharing her experience with her 2.2 million Instagram followers and encouraging support for local clubs.
-
Political Engagement: More than 30 Members of Parliament attended local bingo clubs to call charity games, demonstrating cross-party support for the community aspect of bingo.
National Bingo Day: A Resounding Success
The success of the first National Bingo Day has set a strong precedent for future celebrations. Despite social distancing constraints, the event generated significant media interest and social media activity. The Bingo Association, along with operators, is already looking forward to National Bingo Day 2022, aiming to build on this year’s achievements and further elevate the profile of bingo in the UK.
Miles Baron, CEO of The Bingo Association, emphasized the event’s importance, stating, “National Bingo Day has once again proved to be a valuable and important event for operators and an important date in the calendar for players.” This sentiment was echoed by players across the country, who expressed their enjoyment and appreciation for the initiative.