A former Halifax bank in Sheffield could soon be transformed into a vibrant new leisure venue, with plans submitted to the city council for a bingo hall, gym, and tanning salon. The proposal outlines a £1 million investment aimed at revitalising the currently vacant site, which has remained empty since mid-2024. If approved, the development would see a gym occupy the basement, a bingo hall on the ground floor, and a solarium on the first floor, offering a mix of entertainment and fitness options for the area.
The proposed development is another indication of revitalised interest in bingo. Indeed, the developer plans to invest up to £700,000 in the bingo unit alone, demonstrating confidence in the site’s potential to attract new customers and boost foot traffic.
In Yorkshire alone, a major brand opened its 25th venue in Leeds during the summer of 2024. Meanwhile, the game is winning new fans across the county thanks to community events like the Bubwith Leisure & Sports Centre’s monthly bingo night, and Bonkers Bingo’s fun adaptation – “Girlsbands vs Boybands” – touring the region’s Cedar Court Hotels.
Interest Grows in Bingo
Interest in bingo in the UK has seen a strong resurgence in recent years, with both online and offline participation experiencing significant growth. According to YouGov, the share of British gamblers playing online bingo has risen from 7% in April 2021 to 12% by October 2023. Offline bingo has rebounded even more sharply, doubling from 5% to 10% over the same period.
Notably, the amount spent on online bingo has also increased, with 41% of online bingo players now staking over £15 a month, up from 33% in 2021. Additionally, 26% of online bingo players stake over £100 monthly, compared to just 16% of UK gamblers overall. The data suggests that bingo is not only recovering but evolving, with a growing audience engaging both digitally and in traditional bingo halls.
This appeal has been accelerated by the variety of versions now available online. For example, the bingo website of leading platform Buzz Bingo lists a range of live games, many offering quirky alternatives such as Wheel of Fortune, Double Bubble, and the darts-influenced Bully’s Prize Board Live. This is complemented by other gambling favourites such as slots like Big Bass, and live casino games like blackjack and roulette.
Themed variations like Slingo have also appeared online, bringing fresh twists to the classic experience. It combines elements of bingo and slot games, creating a dynamic experience with reel-based number selection, special symbols, and bonus features for added unpredictability. Meanwhile, themed games – such as those inspired by popular TV shows, movies, or seasonal events offer entertaining alternatives.
In bricks-and-mortar venues, bingo has also seen modernisation. For instance, in Hull, an operator introduced a more social, experience-driven atmosphere to draw in new customers, providing players with electronic bingo units instead of dabbers and paper.
A New Age for Bingo
The transformation of Sheffield’s former Halifax bank into a leisure venue reflects the growing popularity of bingo, both online and in physical spaces. With investment pouring into new halls and innovative game formats, bingo is evolving to attract a diverse audience, blending tradition with modern entertainment.
