Bingo Halls Escape Downturn In Scotland

Credit crunch sees more people playing bingo at Scottish venues.

Bingo clubs in west Fife are reporting an upturn in members, despite the economic downturn currently gripping the UK.

According to the Dunfermline Press, a growing number of Scots view bingo as an affordable alternative to expensive nights out on the town.

The newspaper reports that venues in the area have experienced an increase in the number of young people signing up to play bingo, with over 500 women under the age of 30 joining Carlton Bingo in Fife Leisure Park during the last 12 months.

Christina McElhinney, manager of another bingo hall in nearby Rosyth, said bingo's reputation as a budget-friendly way to socialise is attracting more young people to the numbers game.

"It is becoming more popular with young people. It is a cheaper night out for them and there is a chance to win money," she explained.

Shaun Gibson, manager of Carlton Bingo, added: "When money is short you have a chance of winning some money for not a tremendous amount of outlay."

Carlton Bingo also operates bingo halls in Scotland and north-east England, including venues in Glasgow, Dumbarton and Hartlepool.