Mecca Bingo Launches New Land based game.

Bingo players in Catford, south east London have given a big thumbs up to a new type of bingo introduced by Mecca Bingo Halls, part of the Rank group. After being hit by the recession and the smoking ban they’ve been working hard to pull in more players, and their version of the usual game of bingo has been a great crowd puller.

The game, After Dark Bingo, was first launched in Beeston, Nottingham when Rank opened a new bingo hall last May. In a bid to attract more and younger players they decided to give the hall a more modern look, as well as concentrating more on the food and drink on offer and coming up with new games. The venture proved to be a huge success, with the spend per head 10-20% higher than the average Mecca, and admission levels 66% higher. The concept was then rolled out to Oldbury, Birmingham as well as the Catford branch. Labelled as Full House sites the idea is to have a hall divided into two by the use of soundproof glass. One half will remain as usual, as they don’t want to deter the traditional players, but the other half will be geared to a younger age group, with amusement machines, a bar and TVs in the pipeline.

The game itself has also been adapted. The traditional calls have been updated, no more Legs Eleven and 2 Little Ducks – instead you’ll hear things like ‘Your place or mine – 29′ by the callers, known as the Binglets. There are also a few tweaks to the usual rules – ranging from giving the host a hug if you get a full house to making sure you’ve got your face and arms daubed before going up to claim a prize. The whole thing is louder and brighter then the traditional game, but with a big increase in players it seems to be a big step in the right direction.

Approximately 50 sites will convert to Full House sites, with the others staying as they are. Plans though are also being discussed for other events, including mecca’s Got Talent shows and snail racing. So, if you haven’t been down to your local hall before as you think bingo’s not the game for you then think again – you might be pleasantly surprised!

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3. Islington Mecca Bingo Site at Risk
4. Rank Group announces improved figures
5. Rank has great results and plans to expand