Andrew Pelling

Improving the odds: Pelling finds a new calling

12 December 2009

Celebrating a successful campaign to reduce the duty on bingo, I enjoyed a double header of the game this weekend, playing first at the New Addington ACA on Friday evening after surgery and then again earlier today at Mecca on Tamworth Road. I was lucky enough to be asked to call the numbers at Mecca, but that was the extent of my luck as there was not a full house or full line to be had all weekend.

Bingo provides both jobs for Croydon people and enjoyment for local players. The cut in betting duty from 22% to 20% is welcome but should be equalised with other betting duties. Many clients at the bingo are older ladies who enjoy bingo as a soft form of betting that is also about socialising in a pleasant and fun environment. I will continue to campaign for a further duty reduction.