The Phenomenon of Bingo Halls - Where Are Exeter Venues Headed
The UK’s gambling industry is one of the best in the world thanks to a well-thought-out regulatory framework that protects consumers and helps operators understand the boundaries they must work within. There are countless venues across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland for bettors to visit, including casinos, racetracks, licensed betting offices, and Bingo halls.
In recent years, land-based betting venues have come under threat from the more convenient online alternatives. In addition to having a choice of the top UK operators, bettors can also explore offshore sites for racing, sports, and casino betting markets. Online Bingo and raffle sites are also proving to be popular among younger adult consumers, with traditional bingo games and the opportunity to win a variety of great prizes via raffles. (Source: realraffle.com)
The widespread use of smartphones by consumers and the improving technology used by betting sites means that traditional venues could face a tough future.
Bingo in the UK
There is a general perception of bingo being a game for older generations, and many land-based casinos tend to have an older clientele. However, government statistics show that 28% of online bingo players are between 25 to 34, with 26% aged from 35 to 44.
This is great news for the bingo companies with an online presence, but traditional bingo halls aren’t as busy as they used to be. Bingo in the UK can be traced back as far as the 1700s, but it was during the 1960s that it really hit its heights.
The creation of dedicated Bingo halls in the '60s saw millions of UK players join their local halls, with them becoming social hubs for communities. However, it is now estimated that the number of Bingo halls in the UK has dropped significantly from there being over 630 in 2007 to around 250 today.
Exeter's Bingo Venues
Bingo fans in Exeter have a few choices when it comes to live options, with Rileys Sports Bar & Bingo Club and Mecca Bingo the two obvious choices. Riley's is an excellent option for those who want to keep up with other sporting events, including football. The great selection of TVs around the location screens non-stop sports action, while the Bingo hosts are known to be engaging and friendly.
Mecca is one of the UK's leading bingo operators, and their Exeter branch can be found at 12 North Street. Visitors can make use of on-site parking, and the hall is open from 10:45 am to 11:00 pm from Monday to Thursday, 9:45 am to 12 midnight on Saturdays, and 10:45 am to 12 midnight on Fridays and Sundays.
The Mecca bingo hall has a fully licensed bar, serves food, and has an on-site cash machine for its players who book into morning, afternoon, and evening slots, with members enjoying great monthly perks.
For a more energetic bingo experience in Exeter, consumers can head to Bingo Loco at St Germans Road. A great selection of prizes, ranging from cuddly toys to holidays, can be won during the bingo games, and guests can enjoy a selection of music from DJs. The hosts make sure everyone has a great time, and the drinks are usually flowing at these events that take place up and down the country.
How the Future of Exeter's Bingo Industry Could Look
The limited number of in-person bingo options in Exeter could work in its favour over the long term. Rileys offers its visitors a great bingo experience as well as being a popular sports bar, which should help to protect it against future trends.
While Mecca is up against digital bingo competitors, it is a big enough company to withstand the pressure. Its massive venues that offer local and country-wide games are still enjoyed by many who love the social aspect of bingo.
Locals will be hopeful that the two popular bingo venues will have enough customers to keep going, but the convenience and choice of online gambling will continue to pose a threat. The selection of online operators and deals they provide, as well as other competitors like the raffle sites that offer great prizes, makes it much easier for players to enjoy games from home or at their own convenience.
