Council accuses pensioners of running an illegal gambling den after they set up games of £1 bingo at their sheltered housing complex

  • Sheltered housing residents in Redditch, Worcestershire, enjoyed weekly bingo
  • Council bosses said their Monday night £1 jackpot game violated gambling laws
  • Pensioners have been told they can only keep playing if money is not at stake 
  • Stunned resident Maureen Price, 76, said: 'It's stupid, we only play for peanuts'

By Keiran Southern For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

A group of OAPs has had their £1 bingo jackpot banned after a council accused them of running an illegal gambling den.

The pensioners met every Monday night to enjoy a game of bingo but the local authority was forced to act after realising they were breaking the Private Gaming Law.

Residents from the Harry Taylor House sheltered housing complex, in Redditch, Worcestershire, have been told that they can still continue to play but without the money on the table.

Every Monday residents pay £1 to play, with the winner taking the prize money, while on Tuesday the £1 goes towards the tea and cake as well as resident outings.

A group of OAPs, including Maureen Price, 76, and Hazel Cooke, also 76, have had their £1 bingo jackpot banned after a council accused them of running an illegal gambling den

A group of OAPs, including Maureen Price, 76, and Hazel Cooke, also 76, have had their £1 bingo jackpot banned after a council accused them of running an illegal gambling den

The pensioners, from sheltered housing complex Harry Taylor House, met every week to enjoy a game of bingo for £1 but they have been told they were breaking the Private Gaming Law

The pensioners, from sheltered housing complex Harry Taylor House, met every week to enjoy a game of bingo for £1 but they have been told they were breaking the Private Gaming Law

Resident Maureen Price, 76, said: 'It's stupid, we only play for peanuts.

'We asked the councillor, who's very good, to see if they can get us a license to play here and he's looking into it.

'The game is played in a communal area so it's under the warden's eye.

'Monday is the £1 bingo day, but Tuesday we play for £1 again but it's for tea and cake.

'The money raised is saved and used for outings and things, like our Christmas party.'

The weekly bingo night has been a feature at the care home for 38 years and although there are no longer high stakes, they can now lawfully play for gifts instead.

The event had been a source of entertainment for many of the elderly residents and provides them with a chance to socialise and keep mentally sharp.

Ms Price said: 'It gives us the opportunity to all get together and keep our minds active.

Ms Price said: 'It's stupid, we only play for peanuts. We asked the councillor, who's very good, to see if they can get us a license to play here and he's looking into it'

Ms Price said: 'It's stupid, we only play for peanuts. We asked the councillor, who's very good, to see if they can get us a license to play here and he's looking into it'

Redditch Council said they had advised the pensioners they cannot charge for participation in the game, but they can play for fun

Redditch Council said they had advised the pensioners they cannot charge for participation in the game, but they can play for fun

'It is just a bit of fun and it's disappointing that they want to put a stop to it.'

Resident, Hazel Cooke, 77, said: 'There is a real social aspect to the bingo nights which is nice to have, I just hope the event hasn't been tainted by the councils decision.'

In a statement from Redditch Council, they said: 'We can confirm that we have not cancelled any social gatherings at Harry Taylor House.

'We appreciate that this is a longstanding tradition for many of the residents, which we would not wish to negate. What we have asked is that residents do not play bingo for cash prizes as they may not be conforming to the law.

'The Gambling Act 2005 makes it very clear that you cannot charge for participation in the game and that, in turn, the prizes cannot be made up of moneys paid to participate. We have made contact with a number of groups, as well as Harry Taylor House, to explain the situation.

'Unfortunately some of the groups have decided not to continue as a result - even though they can still play for fun.' 

 

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