Listen to this article:Castle Bingo, the Cardiff-based operator with clubs across Wales and England, has posted an impressive set of financial results for 2024. The figures show that Castle Bingo is performing well despite the challenges that the UK bingo industry is facing and the variety of bingo sites.
Eight Castle Bingo venues even delivered record profit contributions. The company’s directors have said that this is due to a strategy of reinvestment and innovation. Castle Leisure has purchased two freehold properties to support future expansion, while also implementing new technologies to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Underlying profit before tax rose by 12% compared to the previous year, which is clear proof of the success of the company’s approach.
According to recently filed accounts at Companies House, pre-tax profits rose to £4.8 million for the year ending 29 December 2024, an increase from £4.3 million in the previous period. Turnover also improved, increasing from £35.2 million to £37.1 million. The average monthly number of staff, including directors, grew slightly from 545 to 555.
As mentioned, these results are particularly impressive considering the wider environment. The bingo sector has seen a steady decline in the number of operating clubs, with inflationary pressures such as payroll costs making trading conditions difficult. Despite this, Castle Bingo has managed to outperform the market, with all of its clubs growing both revenues and profitability during 2024.
Castle Bingo’s directors have been open about their expectations for the market. They anticipate further consolidation across the sector, with fewer operators maintaining large networks of clubs. However, they have also said that they are confident that their clubs will remain popular by delivering value-led leisure experiences with strong community ties.
Each venue offers a programme of affordable sessions designed to appeal to a broad customer base, with schedules ranging from morning games to evening events. For example, at New Canton in Cardiff, the UK’s first purpose-built bingo club, players can enjoy Monday morning “Breakfast Bingo” with free entry and small house prizes, or take part in evening sessions with prizes reaching up to £500. Seasonal events and themed nights, such as “Buddy Bingo”, where two players benefit from the same win, are an example of how they are working to find new and entertaining ways to bring players in.
Castle Bingo is also able to continually attract players by giving them the chance to win huge prizes. For example, recently there was a £50,000 Castle Climber winner at Uskway and a £70,000 prize won in Bootle. The exclusive Castle Climber game, which is played daily across all of the operator’s clubs, has become a defining feature and major attraction. Similar to the National Bingo Game, it gives players the chance to play for bigger prizes by linking games across multiple clubs.
Visitors to the clubs can also enjoy affordable meals while playing bingo. There are fixed menus that begin at just £4 with options such as jackpot potatoes, fish and chips, and pie of the day. Alongside these traditional and popular dishes, Castle Bingo has embraced digital innovation and introduced an app that allows players to carry a digital membership card, receive personalised notifications, and access exclusive offers. The app also provides local updates so members know what’s happening at their nearest club.
Given all of this, it is no surprise that Castle Bingo is performing well despite challenges across its 11 clubs. While its directors are aware that the industry will continue to face challenges, the company seems to have found a successful formula, providing players with affordable entertainment while still generating profits.
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