Bingo halls are more than just places to play; they’re communities of people that come together to celebrate winning and make new connections.
Many of the world’s most intriguing bingo halls feature distinct themes. Festive fun: Design festive-themed bingo games for Christmas, Halloween or other holidays; or add musical instruments, bands or genres for an eclectic touch.
1. The Ritz in Newcastle-upon-Tyne
This former cinema stands out as one of the grandest bingo halls, boasting ornate architecture and luxurious interiors. Visitors can take part in modern electronic bingo games while taking in this historical venue’s rich history.
Though bingo has fallen on hard times recently, its appeal remains as universally British as meat pies and alcoholism. To gain more insight into this beloved pastime’s future, VICE spent 24 hours at Britain’s biggest bingo hall – MERKUR – to explore its future.
2. The Odeon in Birmingham
Birmingham is home to one of the UK’s premier bingo halls – once known as a cinema but now transformed into one of its most sought-after bingo halls with modern interior and offering customers delicious food options and beverages.
The Eisteddfod Pavilion in Llangollen adds musical entertainment to your bingo game with space for up to 3,000 players and an aesthetically pleasing environment.
3. Drive in Bingo in Sweden
As cinemas ceased operations, their locations became highly affordable to convert into bingo halls – many still exist today – including one in Stromsund which hosts 10 events per day during summer!
Sweden has also found creative ways of playing bingo, hosting drive-in bingo where participants park their cars in fields and cross off numbers as they are called over a loudspeaker. It has proven popular with younger players.
4. The National Stadium in Dublin
Online bingo gaming may have revolutionized the bingo landscape, yet traditional venues continue to offer something irresistibly charming: their distinct ambience and communal spirit provide an irresistibly authentic taste of bingo’s special charm.
The Apollo Cinema in Rhyl was opened as a cinema in 1937 and will transport you back through time with its art deco exterior. Today it serves as a lively bingo hall providing food, drinks, slots and even karaoke!
5. The Russian Orthodox Church in Tooting
This London hall recalls more closely that of an Orthodox church than that of a bingo venue; indeed, its exterior evokes more Russian Orthodox imagery than anything else. Originally serving as both theatre and cinema space.
Bingo remains a beloved pastime with over four million regular players in Britain alone. To explore why, VICE spent 24 hours at MERKUR Bingo Cricklewood to understand why.
6. The Odeon in Tooting
Traditional venues remain irreplaceable despite the rise of online Bingo; their distinct ambience and communal spirit offer more than just playing experiences – they create unforgettable memories!
Built as the Granada cinema in 1937, this Grade I listed building now houses Buzz Bingo with contemporary architecture and luxurious prizes!
7. The Ritz in Tooting
The Ritz in Tooting stands as one of the world’s premier bingo halls, boasting world-class dining options and exclusive shopping boutiques within its walls.
Dabbers Social Bingo, a new bingo hall designed to attract younger audiences, is also located here. Offering both bingo and drag/burlesque shows for an unique experience that should not be missed!
8. The National Stadium in Dublin
Even though many bingo halls have closed over time, that doesn’t signal their demise as beloved pastimes. Instead, many of these old buildings have been converted into restaurants, pubs, or wedding venues, providing bingo players with new venues for playing their beloved pastimes.
The National Stadium in Dublin is an incredible bingo hall, boasting an incredible interior design and home to Ireland’s oldest bingo game – as well as boasting some impressive credentials as a massive building itself.
9. The Ritz in Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Hackney Road’s largest entertainment venue can seat more than 800 people comfortably. Once used as a cinema location, its sleek linear structure still carries over into game tickets costing PS3, but they may become more costly on Saturdays.
Newcastle offers much to discover, such as its historic Grainger Market and fortress from 12th-century; museums and art galleries also abound nearby.
10. The Russian Orthodox Church in Tooting
Tooting Bingo Hall stands out amongst its competition by being designed in the style of an Orthodox Russian church, accommodating up to 2,000 people comfortably while offering hot food, beverages and slot machines.
Papkova also tracked the political demands made by the Church at this time, noting Patriarch Alexii II’s primary aim as votserkovlenie or “enchurchment,” or reopening churches and creating bureaucracies within his realm of authority.
