OAPs’ £1 bingo game banned ... for being ‘illegal gambling den’
FoR four decades elderly residents at the Harry Taylor House sheltered housing complex have gathered for their weekly bingo game.
Viewed as the social highlight of their week, the pensioners each pay £1 to take part, with the winner landing all the takings.
But now the pensioners have had their jackpot banned by council officials – who accused them of running an illegal gambling den.
Residents at the complex in Redditch, Worcestershire, have been told they can continue money on the to table. play but without
Redditch Council intervened after realising the bingo players were breaking the Private Gaming Law. Under the Gambling Act 2005, players cannot be charged to participate in a private game. Small-scale gambling operations such as office sweepstakes for the World Cup or Grand National can also fall foul of this law. The council has also said that lawfully prizes are not allowed to include money paid as a participation fee. But residents have branded the council’s decision ‘ stupid’ – and are now looking into getting a licence that would allow them to keep playing for money. For now, they have been told they can lawfully play for gifts instead.
The bingo game has been a feature at the housing complex for 38 years, providing entertainment and a chance to socialise for the elderly residents, as well as helping to keep them mentally sharp. Every Monday residents paid £1 to play, with the winner taking the prize money. Then on Tuesdays the £1 went towards tea and cake, as well as resident outings and events like their Christmas party.
Resident Maureen Price, 76, said of the council ruling: ‘It’s stupid, we only play for peanuts. We asked the councillor, who’s very good, to see if they can get us a licence to play here and he’s looking into it.
‘It gives us the opportunity to all get together and keep our minds active. It is just a bit of fun and it’s disappointing that they want to put a stop to it.”
Fellow resident, Hazel Cooke, 77, said: ‘There is a real social aspect to the bingo nights which is nice to have, I just hope the event hasn’t been tainted by the council’s decision.’
Redditch Council said: ‘We have not cancelled any social gatherings at Harry Taylor House.
‘We appreciate that this is a longstanding tradition for many of the residents, which we would not wish to negate. What we have asked is that residents do not play bingo for cash prizes as they may not be conforming to the law. The Gambling Act 2005 makes it very clear that you cannot charge for participation in the game and that ... the prizes cannot be made up of monies paid to participate.’