Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins joined some of the town’s keenest bingo players for a game on Friday and met with industry representatives to discuss taxation levied on the sector.

Toby Perkins MP with bingo enthusiasts and representatives from the Bingo Association

Bingo is enjoying its highest levels of popularity in a generation with record numbers of young people taking up the pastime. A recent survey found 61% of British adults said they feel bingo clubs provide an ‘important local service, and bring communities together’.

However, bingo is subjected to Gross Profits Tax of 20% – 5% more than the GPT levied at bookmakers and 7% more than lottery tickets.

Bingo industry leaders, backed by Mr Perkins, are now calling for a cut in GPT to 15%, allowing them to invest in their premises’ and create jobs.

Speaking to bingo enthusiasts at Mecca’s Foljambe Road hall, Mr Perkins said:  “I am pleased to support the bingo industry’s efforts to petition government to rethink how it levies taxes on the game.

“Bingo brings adults of all ages together to socialise in a lively and fun environment, and I am fully behind this campaign. I enjoyed the games I had at Mecca and I look forward to raising issues facing the sector with ministers in Parliament.”