BINGO clubs in Bournemouth are offering customers the chance to play free games to mark the launch of the Boost Bingo campaign.

Customers can play to win cash prizes in the free games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday as part of the initiative which is led by The Bingo Association and calls on the government to bring tax on bingo in line with other popular leisure pursuits.

Most other gambling activities are taxed at 15 per cent, but the bingo industry has been subjected to bingo duty at 20 per cent.

Simon Bartlam, a bingo club manager in Bournemouth, said: “The unfair tax burden is putting financial pressures on clubs like mine, and preventing new investment, new jobs and new clubs.

“I’m urging customers to go to their bingo club this weekend, play the free bingo games, and sign our petition.”

Nearly 400 bingo clubs across Britain will be taking part during the Boost Bingo launch weekend, including Gala Clubs and Club Grand Bingo in Bournemouth.