Spotlight on... 7 Bingo
Chris Sanson talks to Peter Hargreaves, General Manager, 7 Bingo in Eastbourne
What gaming systems and equipment installed over recent years in the Bingo have made the biggest significant difference? Undoubtedly the introductions of electronic bingo terminals (Hand Held) have attracted new players and increased spend for some of the existing.
As high tech integrated entertainment becomes more and more advanced, has the organisation embraced these new games, is ‘high tech’ the future or does traditional Bingo still form a core fundamental of the Bingo operation in Eastbourne? Seven was one of the first clubs in the country to use PHD’s which are the market leader in hand held equipment. Players always have several sets of tickets on the PHD’s and this enables us to keep the cost down for paper players who still account for around 60% of our admissions. In line with national trends there is a small decline in paper players each year.
How much will the online aspect of the Bingo play in the future of the your operation in the future? During the recession many people are being educated into playing Bingo online. This will create a new target audience for us. At some point the law will allow online and land based interaction. This is when I see a huge resurgence of club Bingo where players will be looking for a more social atmosphere.
What would you say are some of the unique aspects about the 7 Bingo operation in Eastbourne? The building is designed to attract a wide range of age groups with seating and facilities for all tastes.
How many slots does the casino have and do you have any plans to increase on the existing amount? We have a total of 49 machines ranging from jackpot to Bingo progressive ( where several thousand pounds can be won).
What was the inspiration behind the refurbishment design and layout of this Bingo operation? We have prepared the building for gaming opportunities of the future.
With your extensive experience in this industry, you must have visited allot of bingo operations in many parts of the World which have been the bingo operators that have impressed you most and why, and have you incorporated part or all of any of those aspects in 7 Bingo? I was most impressed with Las Vegas where the majority of people are still happy when leaving. They see gaming as entertainment which is what we try to replicate at Seven.
When did you decide the Bingo industry was going to be your career, and what were the reasons? After working in Ten Pin Bowling, Night Clubs and Banqueting Suites with Top Rank I was offered a Bingo position in the late 70s. After about 4 weeks I realised the challenges of Bingo would keep me occupied well into the future.
20 bingo life magazine
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25