Once the preserve of village squares, clubs and party halls, the traditional game of bingo has evolved to become a digitally controlled, simultaneous multi-location gaming extravaganza, played out in comfortable, purpose-built entertainment centres.
Done properly, this new style bingo requires considerable investment.
After the publication of the new commercial bingo regulations in January 2006, Fairplay invested in a 400-seat capacity hall in Qawra and on August 24 launched another 400-seater bingo hall in the heart of St Julian's.
Fairplay today has completed 50 per cent of its planned €9.25 million investment in the bingo sector. Employing 300 staff across various disciplines, Fairplay is set to double the human resources to a forecasted 600 by 2009.
It has installed 150 class 2 electronic bingo terminals at the Qawra and St Julian's bingo halls. These terminals are supplied by IGT (International Game Technology); IGT is the world leading manufacture of gaming machines, games and control systems, employing over 5,000 staff worldwide and controls over 80 per cent of the North American market.
Fairplay IT systems for both electronic and traditional bingo allow for total fiscal control, tax accountability and transparent revenue management that comply with all directives issued by the Malta Lotteries and Gaming Authority.
An exciting new concept called Interconnected Bingo will be introduced later this year. This will bring together a number of bingo halls operated by Fairplay connected via large screens to play a single game across the multiple locations. This will allow for players to win far bigger prize money.
Bingo is the largest, most socially acceptable form of gaming in the world.
More than 60 million people play bingo in over 50,000 land-based bingo halls, generating over $10 billion in worldwide annual revenue. The current online bingo market is now estimated to be over $100 million with a 400 per cent growth rate in the next two years.
As a responsible community member, Fairplay is committed to promote responsible gaming practices. They firmly believe that public awareness and education is key in this effort.
The responsible gaming handbook and further information about the Fairplay brand may be obtained from their Website: www.fairplay.com.mt or by calling 2157-7677/8 for the outlet in Dolmen Road, Qawra, or 2137-2926 for the outlet in Dragonara Road, St Julian's, for more information.