National Bingo Week – Making Bingo Young Again

Bingo has gone through myriad changes in the past hundred years, and is now seeing a huge renaissance with younger crowds. Elizabeth Varley solicitor at gambling licensing firm Poppleston Allen gives us the history – and the rules, should you be looking to host your own wacky bingo event!

The average age of bingo participants in the UK has dropped drastically since its UK heyday of the 1960s, with both the traditional bingo hall and the neon lights of the bottomless brunches and club nights home to bingo-based events.

In fact, it’s so popular that there’s actually a National Bingo Week in the UK! Now in its fifth year, the 2025 campaign starts this coming Monday, June 23, running through the week. The week aims to celebrate bingo businesses in the country for the social value it provides to so many, including the fun, camaraderie and a safe place to enjoy leisure.

But where did bingo start, and more importantly, why has it become such a booming business in the past few years?

Bingo Italiano: from Italy to the UK High Street

• Bingo originates from the 16th century Italian game Lo Giuoco del Lotto d’Italia, which literally means “the clearance of the lot of Italy”.

• The game spread through Europe and gameplay evolved as it travelled. By the 1700s, the game had spread to France, where it took form as Le Lotto in France, and from there, became popular in 19th century Britain.

• The 1960s are widely perceived as the ‘golden age’ of Bingo in Great Britain.

• On 2 January 1961, new legislation allowed bingo to be played in clubs and by the mid-60s, more than six million people belonged to a ‘bingo club’.

• There has been an unprecedented closure of bingo halls since 2007, a move which is widely attributed to the ban on indoor smoking, hiking tax rises and the boom of online gambling.

Bingo in 2025

The closure of premises during the COVID-19 pandemic sparked an unprecedented challenge for bingo halls up and down the country. But like many things after the pandemic, it was an evolution rather than a proper ending, and the industry remained as resilient as ever. The rise in popularity of bingo bottomless brunches and themed bingo nights have only increased since then, with many pubs, bars and event spaces hosting themed bingo events.

With the modern spin on bingo appealing to a younger demographic, and so many fun, brightly coloured options out there, how do licensees stay compliant, making sure they’re not appealing to under-18s?

Modern Day Bingo: Staying Compliant

Pubs and clubs have long been the home of social gatherings where friends and strangers come together to enjoy good company, great drinks and now, a thrilling game of bingo. The renaissance of bingo in alcohol licensed venues can be attributed to the game’s adaptability and ability to cater to a wide audience.

Our beloved bingo halls provide facilities for bingo under Bingo Premises Licences and continue to evolve their offerings to a modern audience. Bingo in other alcohol licensed venues is largely permitted under exempt gaming provisions and there are strict rules which must be followed. Bingo games can only be played by over-18s, and there are limits on stakes and prizes which must be adhered to. Participation fees also can not be charged.

Bingo in pubs and clubs must be non-commercial, no profit can be made from the bingo. For those reading who may be looking to exceed the statutory limits, an Operating Licence would need to be obtained from the Gambling Commission. The full set of limits on exempt gaming can be read in the Act itself and the Gambling Commission provides further guidance.

The Gambling Commission has issued a Code of Practice for bingo in alcohol licensed premises. Exempt gaming is expected to be low level, and should be ancillary to the main purpose of the premises. It is for the Designated Premises Supervisor under the alcohol premises licence to ensure that the Code is adhered to and most importantly, to ensure a pleasant atmosphere for customers!

One thing is for sure …bingo is here to stay!