Heat Wave Causes Losses for Mecca Bingo Owners
- 24 Aug 13
- Written by Deena Chance

Rank’s chief executive, Ian Burke, says the result is “solid” and was achieved despite a “tough economic environment and a competitive market. It was only earlier this year that Rank became Britain’s largest operator following their acquisition of nineteen land-based casinos from Gala Coral.
Mecca Bingo only managed to raise Rank’s revenues by a tiny 1% as although their online revenues showed strong growth, the performance of their land-based clubs was decidedly “disappointing.” Visitor numbers to Mecca Bingo halls over the year fell to 13.6m – a significant decrease from the 14.4m that came through the doors over the previous year.
Mr. Burke says that the company will now need to quicken its pace of innovation in a bid to encourage players to come back to the clubs.
While the spectacular weather we saw in July may have adversely affected for certain leisure companies such as Ladbrokes and Rank, the majority of the general public took to the shops (both online and in the high street), purchasing the likes of barbecues, padding pools, fans, and garden furniture, resulting in a 1.1% boost in British retail sales.
Did any of our readers still go to their local halls during the hot weather? If so, what would it take to prevent you from getting to enjoy your favourite hobby?