BINGO LINK The only magazine produced for the UK Industry Issue 71 October 2005 Caller of the Year End of 24 hour rule Update The regional round-up Members can join and play today! Electronic terminals The UK online bingo explosion! 2005 has seen a multi- bingo information site Which and Playtech Software. player UK online bingo Bingo UK, which provides a These three have been explosion, as over the past very easy way to find UK joined by ‘new kids on the 6 months more and more online bingo sites and block’ Virtue Fusion and sites have been launched communities. 1Gaming. In addition, there in the UK, including some Phil explains that, in order are other companies, notably from land based bingo. to own/operate an online Aqua Online, who offer a 75 Why this sudden spate of bingo site you need to ball game, but played in activity, and rapid closing license software from a pound sterling. of the gap with the US? specialist online games For the use of their To get an overview of the supplier. The main software software, these suppliers will Legendary entertainer and television game show host Bruce Forsyth is a dab hand at bingo basics of online bingo licensors in the UK 90 ball charge a license fee made operation, and a brief history market are the experienced up of a combination of set- Celebs make a fast of the UK market, we spoke suppliers Parlay Entertain- up costs; an on-going to Phil Fraser, owner of ment, Chartwell Technology management fee; and/or an on-going revenue share start with this year’s agreement. In addition to selecting a Bingo for Breakthrough! software partner, there is a Ahead of this year’s official 5th September at The choice of one of two Bingo for Breakthrough Dorchester Hotel in , business models to follow. week, a number of well where Bret Hyrak, a previous These two main business known celebrities have got finalist in Caller of the Year models are known as a into the bingo spirit early. and a contestant in this ‘stand alone’ game or a Dabbers at the ready, year’s competition, did the ‘network’ game (also known it was eyes down, look Continued on page 10 as a ‘front end’ game). in, as celebrities played Bingo for Stand alone game Breakthrough at this A ‘stand alone’ game is a year’s annual game set up by one TV Quick Awards. operator, alone. To launch a The ceremony, held Bingo Link is published by Bingo Ballroom – just one of the increasing number of sites offering bingo on line Continued on page 4 on Monday the Bingo Association

Win Hollie the Hippo! see page 7 news

The National Game HRH The Prince of Wales Quarterly news and update from Chief Executive, Paul Talboys announces Ambassador

As 2005 rapidly draws to a close, for East Midlands you and your customers are His Royal Highness, The to become involved in hopefully going ‘Bingo Bonkers’ Prince of Wales has made community activity.’ He and ready to play Bingo for John Kelly, Chairman of added, ‘John has done Breakthrough, our award winning Gala Group, his Ambassador much to promote business fundraising campaign in support for the East Midlands. engagement in the most of Breakthrough Breast Cancer. The Ambassador Award is disadvantaged areas.’ This has certainly been a good year for NBGA part of the Business in the All of us at Bingo Link promotions and developments with Ground Shaker, Community National Awards would like to congratulate  the introduction of the hugely successful afternoon for Excellence John on receiving this richly 2005 games, The BIG Number, Bingo Bonkers and the His Royal Highness paid deserved award. launch of Eyes Down, all of which have been in tribute to Mr Kelly for his • European Bingo Diary addition to our £500,000 games. commitment to responsible Federation Takes Shape Our final activity for 2005 will be our traditional business and contribution to The Federation of European 24-30 October £500,000 Game on Sunday 18th December. This local community, particularly Bingo Associations is due to Bingo for Breakthrough 2005 special game will be promoted in the November disadvantaged communities. be formed on 15 November edition of the new-look Eyes Down, due in clubs mid- The Prince of Wales stated, 2005, when representatives 27 November November and full of Christmas features, news and ‘In 1998, John visited a from the UK and Spanish Caller of the Year 2005 competitions. In addition, to promote our Christmas school in South London on Associations sign-up as its National Final game, there will also be in-club point of sale (available the Seeing is Believing first members. It is hoped Mecca, Catford, London. by 25 November), PR activity and press advertising in programme where he met a that the Italian Association For details call Pattinson key women’s weekly young Ethiopian teenager, will join in early 2006. As PR: 020 8310 5086 magazines. And who told him about some European legislation gains January 2006 may I also take this of the problems she had greater importance for bingo, ATEI/ICE opportunity to wish faced in her life. That visit it is clear that this Federation Earls Court Exhibition every one of you motivated him to take on the will have an increasingly Centre, London a very Happy leadership of the ‘Race for significant role to play. Christmas and Opportunity’ campaign in Bingo Link will take a closer 10-11 March a prosperous the East Midlands, and to look at this new Federation Amuse UK New Year. encourage his employees in the January 2006 issue. Norbreck Castle Hotel, Blackpool National Bingo Game: key statistics Total prize money since the game began £857,585,750 Total prize money played for in 2004 £ 50,703,875 Total prize money played for in 2005 to 2 October £39,923,373 Bingo in Number of press hits by month Biggest games for 2004 April May June Consumer magazines 5 5 1 Saturday 8 May with ticket sales of 1,180,644 Electronic media 6 1 0 Saturday 17 April with ticket sales of 962,292 the news April and May were quite National press 14 4 7 Biggest game to date for 2005 good months for press Regional press 142 122 85 Saturday 23 April with ticket sales of 1,069,458 TOTAL 167 132 93 coverage this year, helped by Quarterly total: 367 Year to date: 910 the advent of Ground Shaker 2005 and the introduction encouraging players to work offers support at regional BINGO LINK is published by the of Shaker Plus prizes. These with National/Regional PR and national level for helping The Bingo Association, Lexham House, 75 High Street additional 130 prizes gave teams – and not to take any to manage the media, and North, Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU6 1JF us more stories of winners press enquiries themselves works with players and clubs Tel: 01582 860921 Fax: 01582 860925 and greater opportunities to – we have greatly reduced to promote bingo. E-mail: [email protected] talk to the press. the chances of any adverse Editor Steven Baldwin Club staff play a crucial publicity for winners. ● National Game role in encouraging players The busiest regions for Regional PR contact: Produced by Axon Publishing Ltd, 11 Plough Yard, London EC2A 3LP. to agree to publicity, and coverage during the months Georgina Palmer Tel: 020 7684 7111. E-mail: [email protected] many of the concerns that of April, May and June 01438 718500 Reproduction in whole or part is strictly prohibited without ● National Game the permission of the publishers. Views expressed are not previously existed have have been West Midlands necessarily those of The Bingo Association or Axon Publishing been minimised by the (17%), Scotland (18%) National PR Agency: Ltd. Prices and information correct at date of publication, but availability of full PR support and the North East (12%) Beattie Communications subject to change. from the National Game. By respectively. The NBGA 020 7053 6000

2 news

situation is less clear-cut. The Government has just End of the Update on finished a consultation exercise based on a proposal for a partial ban, 24-hour rule smoking ban whereby large numbers of Commencement Orders members – which means premises will signed by the Minister for they can join a club and Legislation is still proceeding 2006 smoking will be be excluded from the Sport, Richard Caborn play straight away. Play which could mean a ban on banned in all bingo clubs in prohibition. As things stand MP, brought into force a today, win today! smoking in bingo clubs. But Scotland. at present, bingo clubs will number of provisions of Of the administrative the laws are changing at not be excluded from the the Act 2005. matters brought into different times in different Wales legislation prohibition. The Orders dealt with effect, the most parts of the country. The National Assembly for The bingo industry takes predominantly significant was the Wales has expressed views the view that the fairest and administrative matters, establishment of the Scotland legislation very similar to the Scottish most easily enforceable but there was one item Gambling Commission, The Scottish Parliament has Parliament, but it does not system would be to impose that will be of which replaced the not been slow in legislating have the powers at the a total ban, as is the case considerable and Gaming Board and took for a smokefree environment moment to set its own in Scotland. All venues in immediate interest to over all its functions, in the workplace and legislation. However, it has the leisure sector will then bingo operators rights and liabilities from enclosed public places. expressed an intention to be equally advantaged or everywhere. 1 October, 2005. Whilst the Government in ban smoking in enclosed disadvantaged. As from 1 October, 2005 The Act, when it is Westminster is still in workplaces and enclosed If the Government the rule requiring new finally decided, will be consultation mode over what public places within two to continues with its proposal members to wait 24 phased in over a three or should be done in England, three years. This full ban to exempt certain leisure hours before being four year period, the Scottish Parliament has would obviously affect bingo premises, then the industry eligible to play bingo as a according to current already passed legislation clubs in Wales. takes the view that any member has been plans. The Government is banning smoking in all but a exemption should cover all removed. This means that due to publish a Bill very few enclosed public England legislation like premises rather than just instant membership is during the course of this places. As from 26th March For premises in England, the an arbitrary selection. now available to all new Parliament. news The UK online bingo explosion!

Continued from page 1 payment processing, profile online bingo games, ‘stand alone’ game an technical support, chat including Virgin, Gala, Yahoo, operator needs to arrange, management and game The Independent and AOL. amongst other things, an off- management are all shore license, web site managed by the licensor on Network or stand alone? hosting, bandwidth, payment behalf of the operator. In What would that choice are customized to meet people and the fact that they processing, technical addition, because players mean for a land based individual requirements. never read the instructions support, chat management, are playing bingo from other operator looking to work with Aqua Online provides the and quite often get things build/design, game networked sites, player a licence owner/provider? hardware, gaming licenses, wrong. Just as they would management and of course numbers and thus prize pot Aqua Online Bingo, like and processing while the expect a member of staff in marketing. The benefit with sizes grow much more many providers, offers both operator administers the a land based bingo club to this business model is that quickly than at a stand alone solutions. Their Open back office. be on hand to help, so it is the operator has full control site. The operator only has to Network is a full turnkey This model needs an online. As many of them may over the game and all worry about marketing. solution for businesses who organisation/ operator with not be fully web literate it is aspects of its running. In The downside of this are looking to focus solely the time, staff and skills to doubly important that this addition, ongoing software business model is that the on customer acquisition, and manage the running of the need for support is met. fees are reduced. operator has no control over want to use experts to run site, including players admin These support issues must the game; there is no their player management, and support, promotions, be given full consideration – Network game differentiation between promotions, competition, retention strategies and e- and remember, this is a 24/7 A ‘network’ game is the network partners’ retention strategies, chat mail campaigns. However, it environment. Internet’s version of a land- (competitive) offerings; and room moderators and does have the advantage based Link Game. With this on-going fees to the newsletters. Some Aqua that it can be tailored to an On land or on line? business model an operator, software licensor are higher clients already benefiting operator’s specifications, so Many land based operators through the software than the stand alone model. from this model include: in addition to visually looking will be asking whether, if licensor, creates a game site In very general terms, most www.bingoballroom.com different, it can be made to they get into online bingo, it that, in simple terms, plays operators of stand alone UK www.uk-bingo.net operate in a different way . will affect their club business. bingo with an existing site’s online bingo sites already run www.abcbingo.co.uk Stand alone games running For an answer we need only balls. In technical terms, one stand alone US versions of Aqua’s open network has on Aqua software include: look across the Atlantic. For set of balls are being ‘called’ the game. Exceptions to this over forty sites feeding into a www.foxybingo.com many US players online but numerous sites are include Foxy Bingo, Think common bingo room, where www.thinkbingo.com bingo is a complement to playing bingo with those Bingo and Mecca Bingo. pooled players benefit from club bingo, rather than a calls. This business model The network route is the enhanced jackpots, including Secrets of success replacement, used when has the benefit that off-shore one that has been taken by progressive jackpots and a Whether you are a large time does not permit a trip to licensing, hosting, bandwidth, some of the UK’s most high massive weekly £1million operator with funds and an the club, with most players coverall jackpot, as well as existing customer base tending to use the sites 24/7 monitored chat rooms. available, or a complete favoured by their friends. While the unseen technology newcomer to either online Online sites are used to driving the site is relatively bingo or bingo per se, there extend a brand, creating a standard, the ‘front end’ or are some aspects of online virtual club that can be look and feel of the site is life that are paramount to visited anytime. finished to represent the success, regardless of the corporate/visual identity of business model you choose. Taking Gala’s game on line the individual operator. Player support, chat room Gala is the UK’s single Their stand alone network management and overall largest bingo operator, with on the other hand offers a customer relationship 166 clubs. An organisation of bespoke approach, meaning policies will have a key this size had all options and that only players from the impact on a site. For any models available to them, so operator’s own land based operator this will it is interesting to see the feed into the bingo room. All come as no surprise, for just decisions they made. aspects of the bingo game like club bingo, it’s all about Gala had a strong

4 news

customer base, with great to replicate the Gala club operations,’ says Alison experience. Then there are ever seen. brand recognition as a buzz online, and the Digges, St. Minver’s people who play for the first WhichBingo starting point. However, its company promises that Marketing Director. ‘but time online and love it so www.whichbingo.com objective in going on line players will experience the Gala is very proactively much they decide to go to a 0113 393 0500 was to develop a new same high level of customer involved, ensuring that the bingo club to experience the Aqua Online Bingo audience, that would service that they expect in online bingo experience is game first hand.’ www.aquaonline.co.uk contribute to its overall their land-based clubs. ‘As true to their brand.’ GalaBingo.co.uk is proving 0207 424 3000 customer base, and might with our land operations, the The online bingo platform that online bingo can mean St Minver also take to the club community is very important is provided by Parlay boom, not bust, for traditional www.stminverltd.com experience in due course. to Gala,’ says Dominic , the world’s club operators. Its success is Tel :00350 49552 Since launching in May, Harrison, Gala Group’s leading developer and proving that online bingo is Parlay Entertainment GalaBingo.co.uk has Trading Director. ‘In the chat licensor of Internet bingo. here to stay – and may be www.parlaygroup.com become one of the UK’s room, players are able to Parlay’s random number the best marketing tool land- [email protected] fastest growing bingo sites, communicate, with each generator – one of the most based clubs have ‘virtually’ Tel: +1 905 337-8524 registering over 50,000 other, share tips, or talk to sophisticated in the world - players in its first 15 weeks our moderators who are on ensures that every single of operation. Meanwhile its hand at all times to keep game is truly random. land-based clubs have players company and benefited from cross answer any questions they A new audience promotional marketing may have.’ Ms. Digges explained how synergies. Point-of-sale Behind the scenes, Gala’s Gala is indeed broadening its materials in the clubs drive online game is operated by audience. ‘A lot of the online traffic to Gala’s online site, St. Minver, a turn-key audience have never been to and in turn, the website supplier of online gaming a bingo club. They tend to advertises club promotions solutions which has operated be younger, and are used to and encourages players to Gala’s online and playing games online, but register at their local club. rooms since 2003. they don’t necessarily want Gala’s site was developed ‘We run the day-to-day to have that land-based news

Sales where we are today Moving In just eighteen months we Jono’s jackpot at have accomplished a great on up deal and we are sorry to see Rolf go, as he has been a core part of the RLMS Mecca Wood Green at RLMS team.’ Leading gaming and ‘RLMS Sales will be left It was all ‘Lights! Camera! script, of course! amusement machine in the very capable and Action!’ at Mecca Wood ‘It was great to have a distributor, RLMS Sales has experienced hands of Green on Thursday 25 celebrity guest for the recently implemented some Reg Morosoli. August when a television evening,’ said Damian key personnel changes. Reg himself will have crew arrived with Jono Smith, general manager Managing Director, Rolf increased involvement in Coleman in tow. They were at the club. ‘It created a Neilsen, who has business operations as there to film Coleman’s lot of excitement in the successfully led the Chairman of RLMS Sales, Cash, a competition giving club, and the company since it was sold with Sales Director, Tony away £10,000, which was customers really do by Rank Leisure 18 months Glanville reporting to Reg. later shown on GMTV. love this sort of thing. ago, is moving on to pursue RLMS Sales already have Jono, of Heart FM and ‘He was really down other ventures within the plans to expand and have Celebrity Fit Club fame, to earth, actually,’ Danoptra Group. announced that they are mingled with the customers Smith continues. ‘He Neilsen has played a looking to introduce some and had a bite to eat in the chatted to loads of pivotal part in driving the additional members to the café before trying his hand at the customers and company forward and RLMS Sales and Support teams in calling a game of bingo. even stayed for a Sales are keen to maintain the coming months. However, the customers bite to eat. He his good work. This expansion will give the were not impressed with his didn’t ask for any Sales Director, Tony company the ability to bingo skills as he kept special treatment and It was a case of ‘celebrity bingo club’ for Glanville said, ‘Rolf has been continue to build upon on its calling the wrong numbers – even offered to pay for radio and TV presenter Jono Coleman, instrumental in getting RLMS current success. but it was all part of the his own food!’ who was filming a glittering evening at Mecca Bingo Wood Green. feature Link discovered between gambling and superstition

Recent research from the in an attempt to alter a run of bad International Gaming luck was to change pens or dabbers Research Unit at Nottingham (29%). The research found no Trent University found that differences between men and heavy spending gamblers women with regards to luck and are significantly more superstition while gambling. likely to be superstitious. Professor Griffiths says, ‘The findings Professor Mark Griffiths presented show that a large percentage of his findings at the British Association players believe in superstition and for the Advancement of Science luck. However, the findings did vary, Festival in Dublin on 8 September, with a far greater percentage of as part of a symposium on Science players reporting everyday and Luck. superstitious beliefs than those Professor Griffiths and student concerned with bingo.’ Carolyn Bingham examined the This was reflected in such beliefs beliefs of 412 bingo players and and behaviours as having a lucky discovered that they were more night of the week (5%), having a superstitious in general while lucky friend (4%), having a lucky playing. However, heavy spending mascot (6%), sitting in the same gamblers – those who spent more seat for luck (21%), believing that than £20 per bingo session – were certain numbers are lucky or unlucky more likely to be superstitious while (13%), and switching dabbers or gambling and also to believe in luck, pens to change bad luck (29%). unlucky numbers and astrology. The research also showed that Having a lucky seat or lucky friend 27% of players believed in winning was also more prevalent among and losing streaks, 25% regularly heavy spending gamblers. The most read their horoscopes and common tactic by bingo players 57% believed in fate.

Another chance to win Hollie the Hippo If you’ve been too busy helping make Bingo for Breakthrough happen in your club, then you probably haven’t entered our Hollie the Hippo competition. So here’s another chance! We have three medium-sized Hollies looking for homes. For your chance to win one, just complete the Bingo Link competition entry form, or put your name, club name and club address on a post card, and send to:

Hollie Competition, Bingo Link, Lexham House, 75 High Street North, Dunstable, Beds, LU6 1JF All entries must be received by 25 November 2005. Winners will be announced in the next issue of Bingo Link. 7 feature The bingo buddies that mind your tickets

With their improved function and ease of operation, the latest electronic bingo ticket terminals are catching on in clubs

As electronic bingo terminals lead to winning,’ replies Moss. ‘TED makes it download them to the next greater ticket sales, they’ve always easy to play 12, 18 or more tickets available TED. The TED is then been appealing to operators, but now at once. Even novices can enjoy a given to the player, with a ticket they’re gaining popularity with the game using TED, within seconds of receipt. using PET players, too. walking into a club for the first time. ‘As the numbers are called, they increases the Bingo Link talked to the providers of For seasoned players, TED adds appear on the TED screen. Once the “sweat factor”, which helps to keep the UK’s two leading products, TED spice to their usual bingo experience, game is closed, the next one is players coming back for more.’ and PET, to find out why. by enabling them to play a number displayed on the screen, without the Edward Thompson is best known First we asked ECM sales manager of electronic tickets alongside the player or caller having to press any for producing the paper tickets used Jim Moss what he sees as TED’s usual strip of six on paper.’ buttons. in commercial clubs and was keen plus points. ‘Operators have found Moss continues by explaining ‘It is impossible for a player to end to create a technology product that TED useful in a variety of ways, but how TED operates in a club. ‘TED is up on the wrong book or page for enhances the game and is popular all would agree it boosts revenue the most integrated portable bingo the game in progress.’ with players. ‘A major part of bingo through ticket sales. Using TED, terminal available, linking into a club’s When you also consider that players’ loyalty is enjoying the way players can buy up to 75 tickets per existing systems. We provide a sales operators can try TED in their clubs bingo is played,’ says Walker. ‘The game. And, while this rarely happens, terminal to allow staff to select the for free and pay only when the TEDs skill is important to them – it’s more they typically buy two or three sets of player’s choice of tickets and are used, it’s no surprise that TED than a . If technology tickets instead of one,’ says Moss. has taken off in such a big way.’ were to change this, it could damage ‘The effect is like getting more Robert Walker, business the dynamic that is bingo. We took players through the door, without development director at Edward a deliberate, thoroughly researched having to find or accommodate Thompson, shares this enthusiasm decision to limit the amount of them. These “virtual admissions” for electronic bingo terminals, having automation available to the player generate income that a club needs achieved success with PET. ‘The and to replicate the paper game as to survive in a competitive arena. benefits of electronic bingo are being closely as possible. PET still plays ‘One club that has introduced TED proven across the UK. With bingo. Its key pad is organised in imposes a minimum purchase of admissions wavering and it the same way as six tickets are, with three sets of tickets per TED for their becoming harder the numbers displayed in the same cheap sessions. They usually sell to keep the prize board attractive, columns. So playing is exactly the around 200 more sets of tickets than electronic bingo can create virtual same, keeping the player engaged. they would have without TED. And admissions and extra value for ‘We also believe that it is vital to that’s just for one session out of 14.’ operators. And the benefits to the provide clubs with a durable and So, it’s easy to see why operators operator stem from the appeal to the robust product. In the unlikely event love TED, but what does it offer the players. The more tickets they play, of breakdown, technical support for player? ‘The ability to play more The Electronic Lounge at Mecca Bingo Wood Green the more they win and the more PET is available 24 hours a day, tickets and increased chances of offers members a new way to play often they get close to winning. So seven days a week.’

8

news Celebs get in early on this year’s Bingo For Breakthrough! Continued from page 1 calling honours with Antony Cotton (’s Sean). Celebs hoping their numbers would come up included: ★ Anthony Hutton, winner of Big Brother 6, plus fellow BB6 housemates Craig Coates and Derek Laud ★ Antony Cotton, Sean from Corrie and the host ★ Bruce Forsyth, The Generation Game and Strictly Dance Fever host ★ Calum Best, son of George and star of Celebrity Love Island 2005 ★ Carrie and David Grant, Fame Academy voice

Getting in on the action... Craig from Big Brother 6 (left) and Paul Burrell, coaches Princess Diana’s former butler and star of I’m A Celebrity... ★ Casualty cast, several

10 news members ★ Paul Burrell, Princess ★ Cilla Black, with her Diana’s butler and star of Blind Date! I’m a Celebrity… Top Ten Expands ★ Claire Sweeney, Ex ★ Paul O’Grady, Brookie Babe and star of the afternoon chat show host In a deal worth £5.35 million, the West End ★ Phillip Schofield, St Albans-based Top Ten Holdings plc has ★ Debra Stephenson, star mornings wouldn’t be the acquired all 13 clubs operated by Walker of Corrie and Celebrity Fame same without him! Leisure (UK) Ltd, which are located mainly Academy 2005 ★ Alfie and Chrissie, in the Midlands and the North of England. ★ Fran Cosgrave, star of bury the hatchet The clubs will continue to trade as normal, portfolio to 37 bingo clubs that stretch I’m a Celebrity… and ★ Terri Dwyer, Ex with no change of staff, offering main all the way from Gateshead in County Celebrity Love Island 2005 and star of Loose Women bingo, prize bingo, fruit machines and Durham to Camborne in Cornwall. ★ Gillian Taylforth, ★ Vernon Kaye, a bar and buffet service. Alan Weston, joint managing director of Ex EastEnder and star of TV presenter Graham Kerr, managing director of Top Ten, added: ‘Thirteen might be Footballers’ Wives Walker’s parent company, Derby-based “unlucky for some” but it’s a real bonus ★ June Brown, long- An in-depth feature Westvale Leisure Limited, now becomes for us. This deal confirms our position as suffering star of EastEnders with yet more images an executive director of Top Ten. He said: one of the major independent UK bingo ★ Louis Walsh, Music from the fantastic ‘This is a positive move for all our venues. club operators and puts us well ahead of industry mogul and judge of event will run in the Top Ten has a good reputation for investing our smaller rivals.’ The X Factor next edition of Eyes in the clubs it acquires and improving Top Ten’s annual results were announced ★ Michael Aspel, host of Down, due out in what’s on offer to customers. I think we on the same day as the Walkers acquisition. This is Your Life November. If you have a bright future ahead of us.’ They showed a turnover of £13.9 million ★ Myleene Klass, classical have pictures of the In just over two years, Top Ten has and a pre-tax profit of £1.6 million. musician and ex Hear’Say fundraising fun grown from 11 clubs to 24 with the Alan Weston said that the company member taking place in your acquisition of Welcome Clubs, in the expected to secure further acquisitions in ★ Nick Knowles, having a club, please send south-west and the Mason Group in the short and medium term, to take bingo SOS them in to us or even the north-east. The latest addition of advantage of a fragmented market and ★ Patsy Kensit, adding a bit directly to Bingo for 13 Walkers Clubs brings Top Ten’s drive returns for shareholders. of glamour to the occasion Breakthrough! news

Home-style food Dominic Harrison at Mecca Bingo joins the Gala board

Something fresh is being cooked dishes to date and we’ll continue to Gala Group Ltd, one of Leisure Retail. up in Mecca Bingo kitchens develop more in future to create a this country’s leading gaming Dominic then took the role of across the country, where tasty, bigger menu bank. From that bank, companies, has recently announced Commercial Director at Ladbrokes - home-style food is being put on each club will choose the dishes they the appointment to the Group the betting and gaming division of the menu. want to serve, specific to their Board of Dominic Harrison, Gala's Hilton Group plc. Mecca Bingo is now offering customers’ tastes.’ Trading Director. Commenting on the appointment customers far more choice in its The new menu was given a trial Dominic joined Gala in June Neil Goulden, Gala Group Chief diners with a new selection that run at five Mecca clubs, and met 2004. Having qualified initially as a Executive, said: ‘Dominic's includes family favourites such with great success before being rolled Chartered Accountant with KPMG in appointment to the Board not only as beef pie, lamb casserole, sweet out across the country. Shaw adds: 1988, he then moved on to join recognises his significant and sour chicken and chilli con ‘Some people had doubts about Grand Metropolitan plc. contribution to the Group's carne, as well as the customary whether this kind of food would be He worked initially in Corporate development over the last year but chips, of course. popular, as the previous menu was Finance, moving into Marketing and also underpins Gala's commitment Martin Shaw, head of catering at based around fast food. However, Brand Management on Haagen- to maximising the opportunities in a Rank Group Gaming Division, when we trialled the new dishes, we Dazs, Green Giant and Pillsbury in modernised gaming environment believed it was time to open up the saw the numbers of people visiting the UK and Europe. and identifying new areas of growth menu and offer some old favourites. the catering areas start to increase In 1997 he moved to Bass plc, to open to us. He says, ‘The new menu gets us into and sales of chips decline. The trial take up a position as International ‘This appointment further using far more “real ingredients” and proved that customers want quality Marketing Director for Bass Brewers, strengthens our Board and we are puts quality and choice behind the and choice, so we’re responding to before moving into General looking forward to the continued counter. We’ve launched eight their needs by offering them just that.’ Management in a role as Director benefit from Dominic's experience and General Manager in Bass and judgement in the future.’

12 news BA Annual Golf Day goes with a swing

This year’s annual golf day prize, together with prizes was a great success, for nearest the pin and the raising over £1,000 for longest drive were also Breakthrough Breast Cancer. awarded. A splendid day of golf Unfortunately the Hole was enjoyed by a record in One Prize was left number of 72 players, over uncollected yet again! the course at Hawkstone However, ECM Systems Park Hotel and Golf Club in kindly donated the £250 Shropshire. The Prize Table prize, together with a further was once again full, thanks £250, to Breakthrough Breast to the terrific generosity Cancer. Paul Talboys, Chief of our sponsors. A Best Executive of The Bingo Team prize, Best Lady Association, was delighted to Joe Hutchinson of Brooks Wilkinson Ltd (left) and Mike Pilkington Jnr and Keith Maleedy receiving their trophy Player prize, Best Endeavour receive the cheque on behalf of Breakthrough. John Anderson. I would very much like to Ltd, Cowells Arrow UK, Winners of the annual cups The charity also David Hawkes, President of thank all of our sponsors Crown Direct, ECM Systems Nesfield Cup Mike Pilkington Jnr benefited from the Golf Society, said, ‘Once without whom this event Ltd, Gala Bingo, Gametech Keith Maleedy the proceeds of again this has been a great would not be possible, and International Inc, Jardine Jarglen Jug David Aitken the Dutch auction day. The golfers have had I very much look forward to Lloyd Thompson, Mazooma Secretary’s Cup Robin Porter for the use of two good competitions, the welcoming entrants old and Games, Meeron Ltd, PMS Sail Salver Robin Porter an apartment in course has been challenging new to the 2006 Golf Day.’ International Group PLC, Stephen Cairns Puerto Banus – and enjoyable, and we have So a big ‘thank you’ to Shipleys Bingo, Syndicate kindly donated been able to support Arnold Palmer Golf, Carlton UK and The Edward Maygay Cup Jason Roberts by Janet and Breakthrough admirably. Clubs PLC, Cavenbridge Thompson Group.

Current National Game Security Manager Tony Lucas, who is known by many in the industry, will be taking his well earned retirement in early 2006, after 15 years with the National Game. The National Game is therefore looking to appoint a suitably experienced candidate to take over the role of Security Manager. Responsible for three regionally based Security Officers, who cover Wales and the Midlands, the North and East, and Scotland and the North, the post also carries responsibility for the South and West Region of the UK in addition to some administrative staff based in the NBGA offices in Dunstable. As a reasonable percentage of time is spent out of the office, proximity to Dunstable is not a primary issue, however, candidates should ideally already be living in the South/South West of the country or be prepared to relocate. There is a National considerable amount of UK based travel involved in this role, which requires nights away from home on a regular basis. A fully expensed company car is provided as part of the Game remuneration package. Candidates will need experience of implementing and managing security/compliance teams and ideally will have a Security knowledge of the UK gambling industry. Interested candidates should in the first instance write to Paul Talboys, Chief Executive, National Bingo Game Association Manager Lexham House, 75 High Street North, Dunstable, Beds LU6 1JF

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news Bingo Caller of the Year 2005 The search to find the Bingo Caller of the Year 2005 got underway in earnest during September, with six Regional Finals. Karl Seth, North West winner Brett Hyrjak, South winner Robert ‘Will’ Willard, Wales winner

Every year the job gets harder! This Winner Alan Stockdale has always year, the judging panel was Mandy proved a tough act to beat, but he Gargan (current Bingo Caller of the was pipped by Karl Seth, who took Year), Gloria Pattinson (the the title for the North West. competition organiser from Pattinson PR) and myself, Steven Baldwin – and Scottish Region – County Bingo, the high standard of callers made Coatbridge, Glasgow judging particularly hard this year. Manager, Billy McKay and his staff made sure the 400+ visiting North East Region – New Western supporters got real value for money Matt Adlington, Midlands winner Graeme Garioch, Scotland winner Gary Wilson, North East winner Bingo, Armley, Leeds on their day out. Contestants Ian Linda Glendinning and her superb Carroll (Gala, Kilmarnock), Graeme for Miranda Steeples’ acapella bingo Birmingham), Ivan Winser (Mecca, staff at the New Western Club rolled Garioch (Mecca, Aberdeen), John version of George Formby’s ‘When Norwich) and James Kavanagh out the red carpet for the event and Lamb (New Globe, Johnstone), I’m Cleaning Windows’! But when all (Mecca, Acocks Green Birmingham) made everyone very welcome. Nicky Davies (Gala, Darnley the marks were counted up, Brett really have to work the room. Each Each of the six contestants gave a Glasgow), David McKeown (County Hyrjak came out as a clear winner. had something different to offer, and good account of themselves in the Bingo, Cumbernauld) and Alan Kerr the judges had a hard time choosing judges’ interview and went on to (Gala, Wester Hailes, Edinburgh) all Wales Region – Castle Bingo, just one winner, but finally awarded demonstrate their showmanship and put in great performances and Merthyr Tydfil the last National Final place to Matt calling skills. Malcolm Disbrow (Gala, proved that the Scots certainly do Club manager Marc Richards and Adlington, from Gala Scunthorpe. Sheffield Parkway), Gary Walker have a robust sense of humour! his team provided a warm welcome From over 100 entries we now (Mecca, Hull), Karen Winstone (Top Scottish Television filmed the to their specially decorated club, have our six final contestants, who Ten, Selby), Adam Lee (Gala, performances, which were well and gave contestants Peter Lewis will travel to London for the National Wadsley Bridge, Sheffield), David received by the audience, who were (Castle, Newport), Robert ‘Will’ Final on Sunday 27 November. Mark Lambourne (Ritz, Castleford) and treated to some very cleverly Willard (Mecca, Cwmbran), Carl Dicker and his team at Mecca in Gary Wilson (Gala, Hull) all took to worded bingo songs and fresh jokes! Mallon (Castle, Neath), Will Catford, South East London, will the stage. They had obviously all Graeme Garioch, resplendent in kilt McCarthy (Riva, Splott Cardiff), Mike host the event, with popular TV worked very hard on their routines, and sporran, took the Scottish title. Broad (Castle, Bridgend) and Terry presenter, Colleen Nolan. but it was Gary Wilson who walked Whitelock (Top Ten, Neath) a great This year’s Regional Final hosting away with the Regional Title. South Region – Gala Bingo, Lords party atmosphere to perform in. clubs all worked hard to help ensure Hill, Southampton The mix of entertainment and high success on the day. It was a close North West Region – Buckingham Deputy Manager, Ian Sopp and his standard made the final decision very call, but the judges agreed that New Bingo, Middleton, Manchester team ensured that the show not difficult, but Robert Willard, known as Western Bingo in Leeds, was the Club manager, Lee Rich and his only went on, but that it went on Will, who had been beaten by Peter winner of Best Regional Final 2005. team were right on the ball. The to time. Supporters enjoyed a Lewis last year, got his turn this time, Congratulations to them, and to all club looked spectacular, decked out fabulous cabaret performance and as he took his first title win. of our regional winners. in helium balloons and special a free lunch! banners to welcome the contestants. As the cabaret entertained guests, Midlands Region – Gala Bingo, NATIONAL CALLER OF THE YEAR 2005 – REGIONAL WINNERS David Sharp (Buckingham, Hyton contestants Ricky Denton (Mecca, Erdington, Birmingham Liverpool), Alan Stockdale (Gala, Wood Green London), Melanie Deputy Manager, Julie Whitehead Scotland Graeme Garioch, Mecca, Aberdeen Carlisle), David Freeland (Empire, Ceazar (Gala, Enfield London), Mike brought in extra help to be sure that North East Gary Wilson, Blackpool), Allen Musa (Mecca, Barnes (Leo Leisure, Eastleigh), everything went smoothly Gala, Hull Dingle Liverpool), Philip Reid Brett Hyrjak (Gala, Bognor throughout the day. The size of the North West Karl Seth, Buckingham, Old Trafford, (Mecca, Ellesmere Port) and Karl Regis), Bobby Blount (BJs, Reading) club, which seats some 1,600, made Manchester Seth (Buckingham, Old Trafford and Miranda Steeples (Deluxe, contestants Matt Adlington (Gala, Midlands Matt Adlington, Manchester) all ensured an exciting Eastbourne) were tested by judges Scunthorpe), Andrew Healey Gala, Scunthorpe South Brett Hyrjak, and close final, with much audience in the interview session, then took to (Shipley’s, Kidderminster), Barbara Gala,Butlins support. Current Regional the stage. All were exceptionally Miller (Mecca, Gloucester), Adrian Wales Robert ‘Will’ Willard, Champion and previous National entertaining, with a special mention Smith (Gala, Rubery Great Park Mecca, Cwmbra

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news New Carlton Club for Dunfermline Leading independent operator Leisure Park, which is close to the venue and it seems we’ve managed Carlton Bingo has opened a new M90, putting the venue within easy it from the response we got from our club at the Fife Leisure Park in reach. With a 2000 seat capacity players last night. We’re now fully Dunfermline. The club is one of two the new outlet is the largest in the open for business and offering Bingo new flat-floored developments being area and is the flagship Carlton club. to Shout About!’ built by the company this year, the Carlton member Margaret McVay The 1500 guests were treated to an second being located at was the first winner in the club on unforgettable night of entertainment, Beechwood, Inverness (due for 25th August, receiving £50 winnings with anecdotes from actress Dorothy completion late October 2005). and a bouquet of flowers presented Paul and Dunfermline FC manager The Dunfermline site is adjacent to by general manager Christine Wright. Jim Leishman, plus a firework

Bannatyne’s Health Club and the ‘We’ve gone for a real wow factor display, cheerleaders and Las Vegas Margaret McVay receives her bouquet from Manager Odeon multiplex cinema at Fife with the design and lighting in the dancing girls! Christine Wright. Star Bingo Ireland and Planet Bingo group Northern Ireland are seeking experienced Managers to operate clubs in N.Ireland and Eire.

If you would like the challenge of working in either of these exciting environments you should contact in writing, Martin Deacon Jones, Regional Controller, Planet Bingo Group, Yorkgate Leisure Complex, Belfast BT15 1AW. Please give details of previous Bingo/Leisure Industry experience and if you have any preference in working in either Southern or Northern Ireland. Salary will be negotiable and based on experience. Relocation costs and accommodation allowance will also be offered to successful applicants. classified

To Advertise in Bingolink call Jo Harmer on 0207 684 7111

BINGO OPERATIONS

WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF A PUBLIC LISTED JAPANESE COMPANY WELL KNOWN IN THE LEISURE INDUSTRY AND ALREADY OPERATING BOWLING ALLEYS AND FAMILY LEISURE CENTRES. LOOKING TO DIVERSIFY AND ACQUIRE BINGO HALLS IN THE UK FREEHOLD OR LEASEHOLD.

PLEASE CONTACT DEITH ASSOCIATES LTD BOB DEITH 0208 947 4643 OR MOBILE 0777 422 4477

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