Content on this site will contain reference to products or services from one or more of our advertisers or partners. We may receive compensation when you view ads or click on links to those products or services.
Buzz Bingo's Bold Move to Acquire Two MERKUR Bingo Clubs
Buzz Bingo is making waves after revealing it’s in advanced discussions to acquire two of the three MERKUR bingo club sites – Cricklewood North West London and Northampton. The potential acquisition is a significant milestone for Buzz Bingo, the largest land-based bingo operator with over 80 venues, because it wasn’t that long ago that the brand closed a handful of its sites due to rising costs and falling footfall. So this purchase could signal a potential turning point for the company. Let’s take a closer look at the details.
Why MERKUR Bingo and Why Now?
The Buzz Bingo numbers look good; it’s now on a positive growth trajectory. 2023 showed a 5% increase in retail revenue, 31% increase in online revenue, and 14% increase in EBITDA (an alternative measure of financial performance). Its digital business has doubled its market share over the last two years and is expanding 3x faster than the overall market. Not to mention the FOUR WhichBingo awards it won in April 2024. Sounds like the brand had a bumper year and is heading in a great direction. So why the decision to pursue these two particular sites?
These venues “geographically complementary to Buzz’s existing footprint” (read: well-placed for Buzz Bingo’s current locations) and they have a solid fanbase in their respective communities. Combined, the two venues had nearly 500,000 people through their doors in 2023 and admissions have increased by approximately 5% so far this year.
Like Buzz Bingo, MERKUR provides visitors good-value bingo, food, drinks, plus live entertainment. And the winnings speak for themselves – on average a month, the two venues pay out a total of over £1 million. The Cricklewood branch, with its whopping 2,700 capacity, averages more than 3,500 winners per month, plus holds the Guinness World Record for paying out the largest single bingo house prize of all time of £100,000.
There are also signs that the popularity of out-of-home bingo is on the up, especially among the younger demographic. The number of 25–34 year olds playing bingo last year was double what it was in 2018.
A Brand Ready to Capitalise on Market Trends
Buzz Bingo is anticipating growth opportunities internationally, having announced a move of its digital business to Gibraltar, matching what many of its competitors have already done.
“Bingo in the UK is having a renaissance and Buzz Bingo is one of the UK’s leading online bingo brands with the largest retail footprint and is therefore well-placed to capture this growth.
Following a period of stabilisation for the business, it is now thriving, and we are delighted to be acquiring these two leading bingo clubs following a year of strong performance. With demand for Bingo growing, and our exceptional online performance, Buzz Bingo is positioning the business for accelerated growth, which is the key rationale behind our decision to move our Digital business to Gibraltar.”
What Does the Future Hold
As Buzz Bingo navigates the complexities of the acquisition process, questions arise regarding the future of the MERKUR Bingo. Will MERKUR continue in the bingo space at all or just retain its high street slots and games offering? Will Cricklewood still open 24/7? One thing remains clear: Buzz Bingo is showing its status as a powerhouse in the bingo industry, not just playing the game, but defining it.
Other Latest Industry News
27. Mar 202516:57
Exclusive Inside Look: The Club 3000 Bingo Video Series Dropping Soon
Get ready for a brand new WhichBingo video series featuring one of the biggest brands in UK bingo, Club 3000 Bingo, along with a few famous faces. The trailer for episode one is now out, with the first episode dropping on the 3rd of April. From each Thursday after, a special new video will be released, giving an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what makes this bingo so special. In Inside…
by
Esther Rubin
2min
4. Dec 202410:18
Get Ready for Vegas Night at Bally Casino
Get ready for Vegas Night at Bally Casino this December 6th 2024! Bally Casino will be putting the awesome into this jolly season by taking inspiration from the gambling capital of the world – Las Vegas. Players can get into the festive spirit by taking part in this huge event which plans to turn up the neon and excitement with a range of thrilling offers. Find out more about the range…
by
Jennifer McFadyen
2min
21. Nov 202409:23
Issy-Mae Hunt Wins National Bingo Game Caller of the Year 2024 Competition
After months of exciting competition, seven finalists took to the stage for the ultimate performance at the National Bingo Game Caller of the Year 2024. On Sunday 17th November, the grand finale lit up Mecca Bingo Wakefield with Issy-Mae Hunt from Buzz Bingo stealing the spotlight and claiming the title. Over 500 friends, family members, and bingo fans headed to Wakefield to root for their favourite caller. And The Winner…
by
Esther Rubin
3min
17. Nov 202406:55
Safer Gambling Week 2024: An Important Conversation
For most people, gambling is a fun thing to do. A small deposit, a few wagers, or a cheeky flutter here and there can add a bit of thrill to your day. But for some, gambling can get out of control, creating financial and emotional challenges… or worse. That’s why Safer Gambling Week 2024 (SGW) which is running from Monday 18th of November to Sunday 24th of November is so…
by
Esther Rubin
3min
11. Mar 202516:42
200,000 Votes and Counting So Far in the 2025 WhichBingo Awards
WhichBingo, one of the UK’s best known and most trusted online bingo review and affiliate sites, owned and operated by Gambling.com Group, is delighted to reveal that more than 200,000 votes have so far been cast in the annual WhichBingo Awards. With just under a month to go, there is still plenty of time to vote, with the closing date for nominations being the 4th of April, 2025. Commenting on the…
by
Charles Shakespeare
3min
16. Dec 202412:32
The Best New Christmas Slot Releases 2024
Christmas is just around the corner and one of the easiest ways online slot players can get into the festive spirit is by spinning the reels of Xmas themed slot games. The good news is that it looks like Santa has come early this year as there is already a multitude of fantastic new Xmas themed slot releases available to spin! This includes top titles such as Santa’s Xmas Rush,…
by
Jennifer McFadyen
3min
17. Nov 202406:55
Safer Gambling Week 2024: An Important Conversation
For most people, gambling is a fun thing to do. A small deposit, a few wagers, or a cheeky flutter here and there can add a bit of thrill to your day. But for some, gambling can get out of control, creating financial and emotional challenges… or worse. That’s why Safer Gambling Week 2024 (SGW) which is running from Monday 18th of November to Sunday 24th of November is so…
by
Esther Rubin
3min
23. Oct 202420:13
Chris Rock Is Back And Better Than Ever With BetMGM
Some collaborations are a perfect match. That’s why BetMGM, owned by LeoVegas, has teamed up once again with legendary comedian Chris Rock to bring the thrill of Las Vegas to the UK’s betting scene. The second instalment of the ‘It’s Showtime!’ campaign, this time titled “Chris Rockin’ Locker Room Speech”, hit screens on the 17th October across TV, digital, radio, and social platforms, with Rock (and his trademark high-energy vibe)…
by
Esther Rubin
3min
17. Nov 202406:55
Safer Gambling Week 2024: An Important Conversation
For most people, gambling is a fun thing to do. A small deposit, a few wagers, or a cheeky flutter here and there can add a bit of thrill to your day. But for some, gambling can get out of control, creating financial and emotional challenges… or worse. That’s why Safer Gambling Week 2024 (SGW) which is running from Monday 18th of November to Sunday 24th of November is so…
by
Esther Rubin
3min
20. Sep 202410:48
Betting Company Flutter Shows Community Spirit with £400k Cash4Clubs Initiative
Flutter UKI, the betting company behind brands Paddy Power Bingo, Betfair, Sky Betting & Gaming and tombola, shows that giving back can be a priority. As part of its Do More initiative which hopes to improve the lives of 10 million people by 2030, Flutter UKI has proudly announced the return of its flagship Cash4Clubs programme, offering financial support to grassroots sports organisations. For 2024, Cash4Clubs will offer a massive…
by
Esther Rubin
3min
12. Aug 202408:15
Mecca Bingo’s New Ad Campaign ‘Legends of Play’ – A Historical Hoot
Legends of Play Nothing to see here, just Mecca Bingo doing typical Mecca Bingo things—bringing a mix of comedy, quirkiness, and memorable voiceovers (shoutout to Jessica Knappett) to the bingo scene. Its new ad series, ‘Legends of Play since back in the day’ kicks off with Henry VIII celebrating a big win on his jewel-encrusted (mobile!) phone in a grand banquet hall. Anne Boleyn makes a frowning cameo as Knappett…
by
Esther Rubin
3min
7. Jul 202410:18
Gala Bingo Launch New The Chase-Themed Online Hub
The much-loved Gala Bingo which sponsors ITV’s The Chase brings an exciting new addition to your gaming experience with ‘The Chase Place.’ This never-seen-before online hub offers a selection of The Chase-inspired games and content, including an interactive game show that reimagines the TV quiz for the Gala Bingo audience. Read on for all the info! Your New Favourite ‘The Chase’ Destination The Chase Place boosts Gala Bingo’s eight-year sponsorship…
by
Esther Rubin
3min
28. Nov 202415:45
Two Developments in UK Gambling Designed to Protect Players
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has announced two measures to improve player protection designed to reduce the risks of gambling addiction while ensuring that more operators contribute to helping people affected. The changes involve new stake limits and a statutory levy. Let’s read more about it. 1. New Stake Limits While full details have yet to be outlined, based on the Gambling Review’s White Paper, the…
by
Esther Rubin
3min
20. Nov 202415:49
Safer Gambling Week 2024: Promoting Positive Play and Industry Support
Safer gambling week is upon us once again but what does that mean for the gambling industry and those who play? For gambling companies it is an opportunity to engage with their customers and promote the various tools that are on offer to help players manage their gambling spend, their time spent gambling and their access to gambling. For consumers it is a chance to have open and honest conversations…
by
Rob Mabbett
3min
17. Nov 202406:55
Safer Gambling Week 2024: An Important Conversation
For most people, gambling is a fun thing to do. A small deposit, a few wagers, or a cheeky flutter here and there can add a bit of thrill to your day. But for some, gambling can get out of control, creating financial and emotional challenges… or worse. That’s why Safer Gambling Week 2024 (SGW) which is running from Monday 18th of November to Sunday 24th of November is so…
by
Esther Rubin
3min
13. Jun 202410:59
Rise in Safer Gambling Tools Use During Safer Gambling Week
New figures released have shown a substantial uptake in the use of safer gambling tools during last year’s Safer Gambling Week. 2023’s Safer Gambling Week was held from November 13th to November 19th and promoted an exciting campaign on the use of safer gambling tools when gambling. Safer Gambling Week is organised by the Betting and Gaming Council and is in its 7th year. It brings together many different areas…
by
Jennifer McFadyen
1min
9. Apr 202516:52
Nicola McLean on Big Brother, Bold Opinions and Why She’d Go Back in a Heartbeat
Nicola McLean was every bit the bold, bubbly personality fans remember from the Big Brother house. Holding the record for the most appearances in the iconic house (having taken part three times across various series) now that CBB is back on our screens for the next 3 weeks, Nicola speaks exclusively to WhichBingo and doesn’t hold back… Read for her thoughts on this year’s lineup, insider secrets, and why she’d…
by
Killian Morris
13min
27. Mar 202516:57
Exclusive Inside Look: The Club 3000 Bingo Video Series Dropping Soon
Get ready for a brand new WhichBingo video series featuring one of the biggest brands in UK bingo, Club 3000 Bingo, along with a few famous faces. The trailer for episode one is now out, with the first episode dropping on the 3rd of April. From each Thursday after, a special new video will be released, giving an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what makes this bingo so special. In Inside…
by
Esther Rubin
2min
20. Mar 202512:04
Helen Flanagan on Corrie, Confidence, and Life in the Public Eye
Helen Flanagan has been a familiar face on British television for years, having first stepped onto the Coronation Street set as a child. From gripping storylines to reality TV moments that made headlines, she has carved out a career that spans soap stardom, jungle challenges, and social media influence. Sitting down with WhichBingo, Helen reflected on her journey so far, her hopes for the future, and how she navigates life in…
by
Killian Morris
5min
11. Mar 202516:42
200,000 Votes and Counting So Far in the 2025 WhichBingo Awards
WhichBingo, one of the UK’s best known and most trusted online bingo review and affiliate sites, owned and operated by Gambling.com Group, is delighted to reveal that more than 200,000 votes have so far been cast in the annual WhichBingo Awards. With just under a month to go, there is still plenty of time to vote, with the closing date for nominations being the 4th of April, 2025. Commenting on the…
by
Charles Shakespeare
3min
Updated October 15, 2024
Esther Rubin
iGaming Writer
The Bingo & Slots Specialist
Esther Rubin is a bingo and slots specialist with years of hands-on experience in the online gaming industry. Having worked as a bingo chat host, VIP manager, and promotions strategist, she has a deep understanding of online bingo platforms, community engagement, and player rewards. At WhichBingo, Esther reviews bingo sites, game variations, and promotions, helping players find the best platforms for a fun and fair gaming experience. She also analyzes slot games, offering insights tailored for bingo players exploring slots. With a player-first approach, Esther’s reviews break down bonuses, jackpots, and game mechanics in a way that’s clear, engaging, and community-focused.
2min 
Reader comments