The fact that Bingo could be seen as a form of gambling and a form of entertainment could be one of the reasons it is double taxed by the government, a bingo hall general manager has stated in the York Press.
Tim Stobart, general manager Mecca Bingo in York, believes the double tax alongside the no smoking policy and the new rules limiting the number of jackpot machines are all reasons why bingo halls are suffering and in some cases closing.
And he believes that bingo halls shouldn't be closing because they play a vital role in enabling older people in particular to get out, play bingo, meet people and enjoy a safe place to have a friendly, enjoyable time.
The newspaper was also told by Mr Stobart that he has had to remove six jackpot machines and has had to contend with a 12 per cent drop in numbers since the introduction of the smoking ban.
A report in the Mirror yesterday spoke of how the government is planning to loosen the limit on the number of £500 jackpot machines a bingo hall can have.
