PROTECTION OF BINGO CLUBS

That this House notes with concern the high number of bingo clubs that have closed and that a further 200 clubs are under threat across the UK; recognises the distress and harm caused to communities and players, especially those living alone and the elderly, by the loss of this important local social amenity; regrets that bingo is the only mainstream gambling activity to be subject to double taxation; is concerned that players may turn to other, harder, online gambling outside the protection of the Gambling Act 2005; and urges the Government to review the bingo tax structure and take necessary steps to secure the future of neighbourhood bingo for the benefit of the broader community.