A third of a million bingo customers who backed a campaign to boost their favourite game are celebrating, after the Chancellor reduced the tax burden on bingo clubs in almost 400 communities across Britain.

In today's Budget, George Osborne reduced the duty on bingo clubs from 20% to 10%, exceeding the campaign call for a 5% reduction. It means bingo clubs across England, Scotland and Wales have been given an extra boost and can now fulfil their commitment to invest in new premises, modernisation and jobs.

The Boost Bingo campaign, run by The Bingo Association, gathered more than 330,000 petition signatures from bingo players across Britain. More than 50 MPs supported the campaign, either in their constituencies by visiting their local bingo club, or on the floor of the House of Commons.

The campaign reached a climax when the petition was delivered to the Chancellor's residence at Number 11 Downing Street, on the 26th MPs for a celebratory procession past the Houses of Parliament. Rob Halfon MP, Brian Binley MP, Therese Coffey MP, Peter Aldous MP, Philip Davies MP and Meg Hillier MP came out to meet their constituents and give their full support to the Boost Bingo campaign.

Announcing the change the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne MP, praised his colleagues in Harlow and Waveney and the 'vigorous campaign to cut bingo duty' before saying:

"They want the rate cut to 15%, I can go further - bingo duty will be halved to 10%'"

Miles Baron, Chief Executive of The Bingo Association, said:

"This is the most fantastic news - everyone is absolutely delighted. The decision to reduce duty by 10% means bingo clubs will get an even bigger boost than we had hoped for." 

"As Chief Executive of The Bingo Association, I would like to say an enormous thank you to the 330,000 people who backed the Boost Bingo campaign by signing our petition, to the dozens of MPs who visited their local clubs and asked questions in the House, to PLMR who supported us with our campaign, and of course to the Chancellor... for recognising the importance of bingo clubs in nearly 400 communities across Britain.

"Bingo operators identified a programme of investment that would be freed up by a 5% tax reduction. Now that we have secured a 10% reduction, operators will be relooking at their investment and modernisation plans, to stimulate the industry.

"Bingo fans across the country will be celebrating today!"

If you're a bingo lover, come along to Mecca Bolton for a fantastic night out!