Jobsworths? Bingo!!

Gob · Post by **Gob** » Mon Nov 20, 2017 12:22 am

Pensioners at a care home have had their £1 bingo competition banned after a council accused them of breaking the law against illegal gambling dens.

Residents at the Harry Taylor House complex in Redditch, near Birmingham, have been asked not to participate in the longstanding tradition for cash prizes after being told they “may not be confirming to the law” - but stressed they can “still play for fun”.

According to Redditch Council, the Gambling Act 2005 says you cannot charge people to participate in bingo that, in turn, awards people cash prizes paid for by the entry fee.

Now the group of OAPs have been left to seek a license to continue playing for money in a move branded “disappointing” and “stupid” by residents.

Every Monday those in the sheltered housing complex pay £1 to play, with the winner taking the prize money, and on Tuesdays the £1 entry fee goes towards tea and cake, as well as residential outings.

Great-grandmother Maureen Price, 76, a retired catering assistant with limited mobility, said: "It's stupid, we only play for peanuts.

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

dales · Post by **dales** » Mon Nov 20, 2017 12:56 am

Perhaps it is high time that all these so-called jobsworths are told to take a flying leap!

Lord Jim · Post by **Lord Jim** » Mon Nov 20, 2017 5:04 pm

Well, with the weather turning cold there are no kiddie lemonade stands to shut down, so they need to find something to keep them busy...

Big RR · Post by **Big RR** » Tue Nov 21, 2017 1:26 pm

the Gambling Act 2005 says you cannot charge people to participate in bingo that, in turn, awards people cash prizes paid for by the entry fee.

so don't charge them to play, rent them a chair for a pound; they're old so I would bet no one would stand.

Long Run · Post by **Long Run** » Tue Nov 21, 2017 8:05 pm

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

Here in crazy-land USA, most states exempt small bingo games from needing a license. There is no place for that sort of common sense in England.

dales · Post by **dales** » Wed Nov 22, 2017 5:27 am

When Margaret Thatcher left office, merry old England went downhill, and fast.

RayThom · Post by **RayThom** » Wed Nov 22, 2017 6:58 pm

BTW -- BB, if you're checking this thread out, the woman on the left, above, has untreated basal cell carcinoma. That's what will happen to you if you don't follow through with your treatment.

Bicycle Bill · Post by **Bicycle Bill** » Thu Nov 23, 2017 2:15 am

RayThom wrote:BTW -- BB, if you're checking this thread out, the woman on the left, above, has untreated basal cell carcinoma. That's what will happen to you if you don't follow through with your treatment.

It's being taken care of. I have an appointment with the dermatologist/surgeon for the Mohs procedure on the 13th of December.
Seriously, though, thanks for your concern. It is greatly appreciated.

-"BB"-

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