Since the smoking ban came into force in Scotland, bingo parlors have been suffering the consequences and more than five bingo clubs have been forced to close due to the dramatic fall in revenues. Most of the remaining ones are struggling to survive in the hope that a solution might be found.

Sir Peter Fry, Chairman of the Bingo Association, believes it is unfair for bingo operators to pay the same VAT as bookmakers and lottery ticket vendors. For that reason, Sir Fry wants a rebate to come from said tax.

“The ban has had a far greater impact on the industry than had been anticipated. This situation has been created by government legislation rather than market forces. The legislators have a responsibility to help with the situation they have created”, a spokesperson for the Association said.