Bingo has been around for decades. In fact, Bingo Halls were the primary way people enjoyed bingo. Today you see a decline in the number of Bingo Halls. This is due to the internet. The internet has moved much of the bingo game on-line. The internet has transformed the bingo business; today the business is mostly on-line.
The u.k. Gambling commission is very involved in tracking trends related to the bingo market. They provide the most up-to-date information available regarding the size and type of the bingo market. When we say “the size of” we’re referring to gross gambling yield (GGY). GGY is simply the amount of money operators retain from bets placed on games they operate, after deducting winnings paid out to bettors. Operating expenses such as salaries, rent, etc., are then subtracted from this amount to determine net profit.
Total market size: the latest data
The gross gambling yield (GGY) for all of Great Britain’s gambling industry for the time period of April 2022 to March 2023 was approximately £15.1 billion. As previously stated, this figure includes every type of gambling, from casinos to lottery games and sports betting – and of course, bingo.
As you would expect, bingo constitutes a rather large percentage of the above mentioned GGY. During the same time frame (April 2022 to March 2023) the gross gambling yield (GGY) for the bingo industry was £597.5 million. This may be broken down into remote (on line) bingo and non-remote (physical) bingo.
Digital supremacy: on line bingo GGY
The vast majority of bingo GGY comes from remote (on line) bingo. The GGY for remote bingo during the time frame of April 2022 to March 2023 was £216.6 million. Online bingo offers players a wide variety of game types, quicker rounds and access to a wider variety of games – when ever and wherever they want. Generally speaking, online bingo seems to be fairly stable and growing.
Another metric used to evaluate the size of the on line bingo market is the number of online bingo account holders. Although the number of online bingo account holders can vary week-by-week – or even daily – it is indicative of the scope and scale of online bingo. Many online gaming operators combine bingo with other casino games, therefore, it can be difficult to isolate the GGY attributable solely to remote bingo. However, regardless of whether or not it is bundled with other games, GGY attributed directly to remote bingo is a reliable indicator of its financial significance.
Enduring appeal of Bingo Halls: Non-Remote Bingo
Although non-remote (physical) bingo has experienced a decline in popularity since the advent of digital technology, it still generates substantial amounts of revenue for the industry. According to the data provided by The UK Gambling Commission, the gross gambling yield (GGY) for Non-Remote Bingo during the time frame of April 2022 to March 2023 was £381 million. Actually, this figure exceeds that of GGY generated by remote bingo during this same time frame – indicating a possible rebound or sustained demand for this format following disruption caused by the pandemic.
In contrast to online platforms, physical venues offer social experiences that no amount of digital technology will replace. Whether it be the sense of camaraderie among players waiting for results, or simply enjoying food and drinks while participating in a live event, traditional Bingo Halls continue to attract players who seek something more than what digital platforms can deliver.
Although physical venues have consistently declined over the past twenty plus years – according to reports from the Bingo Association, there were approximately 350 physical clubs open in the u.k. As of 2024, down from over 600 physical clubs that existed in the early 2000’s – many of these remaining physical venues act as community centers. Larger chains such as Mecca Bingo and Gala bingo continue to dominate this space.
Demographics and player Habits
Like many aspects of life that have evolved with digital technology, demographics of bingo players have become increasingly diverse as well. Traditional Bingo Halls typically attract an older demographic, whereas online platforms have attracted a greater diversity of ages. In fact, mobile gaming has allowed younger populations to enjoy bingo, although it still skews somewhat older than many other forms of online gaming. Historically women have comprised the majority of players in both online and offline environments.
Additionally, frequency and duration of play differs depending on whether players are accessing bingo through an on line platform versus attending a physical venue. Players who participate in online gaming may tend to participate in multiple short-duration events per day, whereas a trip to a physical location may involve one long-duration event per day.
Responsible gaming and regulatory framework
Both land based and on line bingo businesses in the united kingdom are subject to regulation by the u.k.’s gambling commission. This agency oversees each operator’s adherence to fair business practices, protects consumers and promotes responsible gaming behaviors. To protect consumers and promote responsible gaming behaviors several safeguards exist including age verification systems, deposit limits, self exclusion programs and strict guidelines regarding advertising content. All measures referenced above occur within a regulatory structure that collects gross gambling yield (GGY) data in order to track financial performance and provide a transparent view of gaming activity in the united kingdom.
What is gross gambling yield?
Gross gambling yield is a widely accepted term used in reference to gambling industries globally. It is defined as net gaming yield + operating costs = gross gambling yield. Net gaming yield equals gross gaming yield – payouts made by operators to customers. Gross gambling yield indicates gross income generated by an operator prior to deducting any operational costs.
Is the u.k.’s bingo industry growing or shrinking?
The u.k.’s bingo industry is constantly evolving. Physical Bingo Halls have clearly suffered long-term declines in recent years relative to their peak attendance numbers. However, it appears that revenue generated by physical locations can vary. Revenue generated by on line bingo has generally remained stable or grown – however on line gaming has faced increasing scrutiny from regulators.
Taken collectively, the u.k.’s bingo industry is mature yet appears resilient – measured by GGY alone.
How many physical bingo clubs remain in the u.k.?
Approximately 350 physical bingo clubs currently operate in the u.k. As of 2024. Like so many aspects of society impacted by technological advancements, the number of physical bingo clubs has drastically decreased since their peak nearly twenty years ago.
What is the difference between remote & Non-Remote Bingo?
Non-remote (physical) bingo is referred to as games played in a land based setting – such as a brick-and-mortar club or hall. Remote (on-line) bingo refers to games played using an on-line website or mobile app