Bingo clubs win on slots

THE UK Government says it will relax limits on the number of slot machines allowed in bingo clubs, giving a lift to the industry which has seen a number of clubs close in the wake of new gambling laws.

Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe said the maximum number of £500 jackpot slot machines allowed in bingo clubs would be raised from four to eight.

Bingo Association chief executive Paul Tallboys said the industry would "breathe a huge sigh of relief", and added that the move "keeps bingo viable in all parts of the country".

The new laws, introduced in September last year, hit the industry hard by forcing the removal of the highly profitable machines, adding to problems created by the smoking ban and an economic downturn.