UK Bingo Plagued by More Political Correctness

Posted on December 30th, 2009

Recent attempts to censor some traditional bingo calls in the name of ‘political correctness’ have many UK bingo players fired up. Bingo players in the UK are also angry about the draconian smoking ban and excessive taxation which has caused several bingo clubs to shutter their doors forever. The latest bingo related flap occurred when the Sudbury Town Council advised bingo caller John Sayers, 75, to cease using traditional calls such as ‘two fat ladies’ for the number 88. The council evidently was afraid someone somewhere would take offense. Sue Brotherwood, Sudbury Town Council clerk stated, “We hear these things, of people being sued because of it, and obviously we have to take it on board.”

Bingo players are none too fond of the new numbers only bingo policy and most say the new policy makes the games boring. Bingo players reacted quickly and have mounted a widespread campaign to save traditional bingo calls. One wag stated, the call of ‘two fat ladies’ is part of our heritage. What’s the alternative - ‘two generously proportioned people of either gender?” Back in July British bingo fans descended on Westminster to protest hat they call a government attack on the traditional British bingo hall. The crowd donned masks of Chancellor Alistair Darling during the protests outside of Parliament.

This is not the first time bingo has been subjected to the whims of political correctness. About a decade ago bingo giant Mecca agreed to change its name after protests from the Muslim community who said the name ‘insulted their religion.’ Muslims in Luton Bedfordshire vandalized the local Mecca bingo club causing £3,500 in damages. In the UK bingo callers have developed a colorful language over the years and bingo players are understandably upset. It remains to be seen how widespread the protests will become but hopefully bingo players will be able to convince authorities to allow them to continue using the traditional calls.

Obviously internet bingo will not be subject to the whims of the ‘politically correct.’ In the UK and Europe internet bingo is rapidly expanding. Players can shop around to find the best bingo bonus and jackpots are now larger. Many sites have special games for members that require a bingo bonus code to access the game. The player is emailed a bonus code that can be used to play special games. Because of intense competition industry experts say that bingo bonuses will grow larger as the competition increases for new players.