PROTECTION OF BINGO CLUBS

Early day motion 1631, tabled 6 June 2007 by John Hemming (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 74 members.

That this House notes with concern the high number of bingo clubs that have closed and that a further 200 clubs are under threat across the UK; recognises the distress and harm caused to communities and players, especially those living alone and the elderly, by the loss of this important local social amenity; regrets that bingo is the only mainstream gambling activity to be subject to double taxation; is concerned that players may turn to other, harder, online gambling outside the protection of the Gambling Act 2005; and urges the Government to review the bingo tax structure and take necessary steps to secure the future of neighbourhood bingo for the benefit of the broader community.

Signatures by party: Labour 38, Liberal Democrat 18, Conservative 13, Scottish National Party 3, Independent 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.