Yeovil Bingo Venue Announces Closure

The UK bingo industry is facing another casualty after Yeovil operator announced plan to shut up shop.

Bingo fans in Yeovil have voiced their disappointment after the owner of the town's Top Ten bingo club announced plans to close next month.

The gaming firm, which shut its venues in Leeds and Fleetwood earlier this year, said that the Somerset bingo club will cease to operate on Sunday October 4th, the Western Gazette reports.

Manager Duncan Johnston explained that a combination of financial difficulties forced Top Ten to close the Yeovil venue.

"Due to the ongoing recession, the ban on smoking in public places and with the increase in gross profit tax payable to the government, it is with great regret that we have to announce the closure of the club," he told the newspaper.

Local bingo player Cher Stringer was dismayed to hear the news, explaining that her nearest numbers game venue will soon by over 25 miles away.

"I enjoy coming. When this closes, if I want to play bingo I'll have to go to Taunton," she explained.

According to Gambling Commission figures cited by the Western Gazette, the number of bingo clubs in the UK fell from 675 in 2008 to 641 in March 2009.

Several more have closed their doors since then, with Gala Bingo shutting six of its venues this summer.