ATE Online is reporting that Neil Goulden of bingo operator Gala Bingo is saying the company may have to close some of its land-based bingo halls.

In an interview with Marketing Week magazine, Goulden said that Gala is on “red alert” regarding closures. The company’s future will depend on how or if the UK government eases the current tax burden affecting the land-based bingo industry.

“It is true our Bingo business is suffering,” Goulden commented, “but not just due to the smoking ban and the removal of slot machines but through government policy and unfair tax regimes.”

It’s also reported in Marketing Week that Gala has earmarked up to five bingo halls for possible closure.

Gala Bingo does operate bingo games through its own online bingo hall. Free UK Bingo has not been affected in the same way land-based bingo has by the government’s tax policies or the smoking ban.

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