Bingo is a popular game in the UK, with over three million people playing bingo at least twice a week. Wales in particular has a strong bingo culture due to its high number of small, tight-knit communities that use traditional bingo as a way to socialise and bond as a community. 

With the rise in popularity for online bingo sites, it’s no wonder there’s some concern surrounding the fate of bingo halls in Wales. With this in mind, let’s take a look at these places and explore whether or not they have been affected by the increase of online gambling. 

The history of bingo halls in the UK

Bingo rose in popularity after the Betting and Gaming Act 1960. Since then, bingo halls cropped up around the country and it wasn’t until 2005 that bingo halls stopped being built.

Between 2005 and 2014, the number of bingo clubs in Britain dropped from 600 to 400. There are several reasons for this, but the largest culprits are most likely a ban on indoor smoking, an increase on taxes, and the growth of online bingo. 

The pandemic had a further impact on bingo halls, and by 2023 the number of bingo halls in Great Britain dropped to around 260. 

Why are bingo halls so popular in Wales 

Bingo has been a significant aspect of Welsh culture for decades. People have met at working men’s clubs, community halls, and dedicated bingo establishments for years to stay connected as a community, make new friends, catch up with old friends, and participate in some friendly competition. 

It’s the social aspect of in-person bingo that has better kept its popularity alive in Wales compared to in other areas of the UK, where close knit communities aren’t seen as often. 

Has online bingo had an effect on bingo halls? 

Online bingo has become increasingly popular in recent years. Some people may not feel the need to visit dedicated bingo halls to get their bingo fix and instead opt for the convenience and flexibility that online bingo can provide. We see this in the recent decline of bingo halls across the UK. 

However, many people still favour traditional bingo and, surprisingly, the younger demographics are showing up. In 2022, double the amount of players aged 25-35 were playing bingo in a club compared to 2018, and the number of 18-24 year olds was up by a third.

Alongside this, the gross gambling yield (GGY) for non-remote bingo was £591.8 million between April 2022 and March 2023 – a 34.0% increase on the previous period. So whilst online bingo remains in demand, it doesn’t seem to have overtaken the popularity of non-remote bingo just yet. 

Will bingo halls be around in Wales in the future

It’s safe to say that as a staple of Welsh culture, bingo halls will likely retain their popularity for quite some time. The rise of online bingo is significant and will continue to grow but traditional bingo is still favoured by many and the younger generation seem to keep a keen interest despite the ease and convenience of online bingo. 

CAREW CASTLE is thrilled to invite families and visitors of all ages to experience Glow – a magical event illuminating the season every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 29 November to 15 December, between 4:30pm and 7:30pm.

Upon arrival, guests will be greeted by a stunning display of lights throughout the Walled Garden, creating an enchanting atmosphere that leads into the heart of the festivities. At Nest Tearoom, visitors can indulge in seasonal treats, adding warmth and flavour to the experience.

This year’s event brings new areas and captivating displays, transforming the Castle into a Christmas wonderland with fresh elements designed especially for the 2024 season. Children are invited to join Santa’s Workshop Trail, an interactive adventure where they can hunt for clues hidden around the Castle, with a special treat awarded upon completion. Entry to the trail costs £2 per child.

Committed to sustainability, Glow’s impressive display uses only the most energy-efficient LED lights, designed to minimise environmental impact while maximising visual impact. The lighting setup uses approximately 85% less energy than traditional bulbs and can even operate from a single household socket.

Visitors will notice that all lighting is focused on the Castle’s east face and east range, illuminating beautifully preserved rooms such as the Lesser Hall, undercroft, chapel and kitchen, all decorated for the season and open to explore. To safeguard the resident bats, who have their own spaces within the Castle and are cherished members of the Carew community, lighting and access to certain areas are limited at night.

Adding to the festive spirit, local choirs and musical groups will fill the Lesser Hall with seasonal melodies each weekend, bringing an extra touch of holiday magic to the experience.

Due to high demand, visitors must pre-book arrival slots to secure entry. Tickets are available online, priced at £2.50 for adults and £1.50 for children aged 4-16 years. This nominal fee helps maintain and enhance Glow each year, ensuring it remains affordable for the community.

Free entry is offered to holders of annual passes, Carew parish residents, wheelchair users, and accompanying carers, though these visitors must also book online and present proof of eligibility.

Visitors purchasing tickets for daytime admission to the Castle and Grotto are welcome to attend Glow on the same evening without further booking.

For a full schedule of live performances, and for Castle and Nest Tearoom opening hours through November and December, please visit www.carewcastle.com

THE Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society’s annual Christmas Fair will run for two days this year, on Thursday, December 14, and Friday, December 15.

Held at the Parkhouse Building on the Haverfordwest Showground, the venue will transform into a festive shopping destination, offering an expanded range of stalls, live music, Santa’s Grotto, and an outdoor food court.

Expanded event

Event organisers Judith Roach and Emma Thomas expressed their excitement about the extended format. They said:
“We are thrilled to announce that our Christmas Fair will run for two days instead of just one. We are building on last year’s success with twice the opportunities to attend and even more stallholders. The Parkhouse Building will become a one-stop shop for everyone preparing for Christmas.”

The fair will be open from 10:00am to 4:00pm on both days, with free admission for all visitors.

Festive treats and unique gifts

Attendees can expect to browse an extensive selection of unique gifts, handmade decorations, artwork, and homeware. Local food and drink producers will also showcase festive delights, including chocolate brownies, fudge, spirits, and Welsh cheeses.

An outdoor food court will cater for visitors on the go, with a variety of hot and cold options.

Santa’s Grotto

Santa himself will make a special appearance, with children able to visit him for £3 per child. Each child will receive a small gift, with all proceeds going to the Sandy Bear charity. Advance bookings can be made via the Sandy Bear website.

Community effort

Adam Thorne, president of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society, praised the efforts of the event’s organisers:
“The society would like to thank Judith and Emma for their dedication in organising this two-day event. We’re delighted to offer visitors a chance to do their Christmas shopping while enjoying the festive atmosphere.”

The Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society encourages visitors to follow the Pembrokeshire County Show’s Christmas Fair event page on Facebook for updates and a complete list of stallholders.

The event promises to be a perfect start to the holiday season, welcoming families and shoppers alike.