By Penny Walker on Monday, 19 Feb 2007 In a move to address the possible issue of a declining number of members following the introduction of England's smoking ban in July, Gala Bingo is to introduce handheld devices that allow people to take breaks and continue playing.
The company, which is the UK's largest bingo operator, stated that it will provide up to 120 handheld devices in its bingo halls, in addition to applying for new licences permitting gaming in outside areas, the Telegraph reports.
Neil Goulden, chief executive of the Gala Coral Group, said: "The handhelds will give the opportunity for smokers to keep playing and they will also modernise the whole process of bingo."
The news follows an announcement made by the Rank Group - which owns Mecca Bingo - in which it said that it intends to reduce its number of clubs ahead of the ban by closing nine bingo halls in England and Wales.
Rank said that the decision to close the businesses was in keeping with its plans to improve the "quality" of its portfolio of clubs.
|
Bingo
