Boost for traditional halls as bingo tax is cut to 10%

Video report from ITV News North of England Correspondent Damon Green in Blackpool

The Government announced the halving of bingo tax to 10% in the Budget today in a move that should half the decline in halls across the country.

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In the last 30 years, the Treasury estimates 75% of bingo halls have closed down in the UK.

One bingo player could recall three clubs being shut down in Blackpool alone, she told ITV News:

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Clubs are facing strong competition from online bingo companies who, because of low overheads and, until now, low tax, can offer big prizes traditional halls cannot compete with.

The owner of Blackpool's Empire Bingo Club, which has been running for 40 years, told ITV News traditional halls simply cannot compete.

However, the announcement means tax on bingo profits will be slashed from 20% to 10% with players hoping savings will mean bigger prizes.