While the news all last week tended to highlight the growing Scandinavian online bingo market, back here in the UK evidence mounted of more troubles in the land-based bingo industry with the announcement that Gala Bingo has put up its Nuneaton bingo hall for sale.
Land-based bingo has been in a bit of a bind recently with its profitability impaired by a new nationwide smoking ban, a controversial double tax system and the growing popularity of online bingo games and online bingo halls.
Gala Bingo is already a mainstay on the online bingo scene and it makes sense for them to maximize their land-based operations rather than run at a loss by keeping non-profitable halls afloat. On the other hand, I doubt they will receive many offers from any industry for the building they have put up for sale due to the need to spend extra money on asbestos removal from the property.
What this move by Gala does tell us is that land-based bingo is an increasingly negative option for bingo operators in a world where changing habits are reflecting a move towards a more online-based lifestyle when it comes to entertainment choices. I can see the day when outfits like Gala focus almost exclusively on people who play online bingo and exit the land-based scene completely.
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