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Edinburgh Reporter

Scotland's Affinity for Social Gaming

There's something unmistakably warm about the soft murmur of conversation, the rattle of numbered balls, and the cry of 'house!' that echoes across Scotland's bingo halls. While the rest of the UK has seen a steady decline in traditional bingo venues, Scotland, particularly cities like Glasgow, has remained a steadfast hub for the game, with an enduring love for both its competitive thrill and community spirit. Jenny Kleeman, a respected journalist and presenter, once likened bingo in Glasgow to 'a kind of secular religion,' a sentiment that resonates with anyone who has experienced the bustling tables and vibrant camaraderie of Scottish clubs. Glasgow's deep roots in the game may explain why it's often considered the spiritual home of bingo. Paul McGlinchey, a seasoned bingo hall manager, points to the game's intergenerational appeal, with many residents living in the same neighbourhoods as their parents and grandparents, carrying on longstanding traditions. Photo by Alejandro Garay on Unsplash Despite the UK's 2007 smoking ban and changing entertainment trends leading to the closure of numerous halls, Scotland's bingo culture has shown remarkable resilience. This resilience can be attributed to the game's social significance. These venues are not just places to test one's luck; they are meeting points, where friends gather for a chat and some fun. This unique atmosphere is challenging to replicate, but online platforms are making significant strides in this direction. In recent years, digital bingo has experienced a surge in popularity, attracting a younger audience with its modern interfaces and interactive features. Several brands, which seamlessly blend physical clubs with online play, are not only breathing new life into traditional venues but also attracting a fresh wave of players. The incorporation of chat hosts and player interaction means that bingo games are now more sociable than ever, recreating the sense of community one might experience at a Friday night game in Motherwell or Partick. It seems Scottish players aren't just loyal, they're also quite lucky. Since the reopening of clubs in May, over half of the National Bingo Game's big wins have been claimed north of the border. Carlton Bingo, Scotland's largest independent bingo operator, has been at the heart of this winning streak. Just two days apart in July, two regulars at Carlton Bingo halls in Partick and Dunfermline each walked away with a £50,000 jackpot. The Partick winner, a 78-year-old great-grandmother, was playing alongside her daughter and friend when her numbers came up. She's been a devoted player for nearly six decades and fondly recalled how her love for bingo began with her sisters, both of whom she lost in recent years. Her touching story, shared through tears and laughter, captured what bingo truly means to its Scottish fans. And in Dunfermline, another long-time player was equally stunned by her win. 'You have to be in it to win it,' she said, echoing a sentiment familiar to every hopeful face scanning their card on a Saturday night. Whether online or in person, Scotland's bond with bingo is more than just about winnings; it's about belonging. And judging by recent wins and growing interest from younger generations, it's a bond that's far from fading. Like this: Like Related