The owner of Buzz Bingo is rumoured to be exploring a sale of the UK’s largest bingo hall operator, after a year which saw both revenue and visitation increase across its estate of 75 clubs. City AM reports ICG is seeking “fresh investment to capitalise on surging interest.” And why not – bingo is a high street gem blending business and community contributions that keep local economies alive. But the government’s Bonnie and Clyde, Messrs Burnham and Healey, loom. So, can Buzz kill the government’s moral indignation at one of the only sectors desperate to invest on Britain’s high street?
The UK’s largest bingo hall operator Buzz Bingo is soon to enter the market, according to sources including CityAM and Sky News, with owner ICG seeking “fresh investment to capitalise on surging interest.”
The firm has enjoyed an 11 percent increase in revenue during the 2025 financial year, totalling £241m for the period, as its 75 clubs saw a 49 percent growth in new customers, half of whom were aged under 35.
“The bingo group says online trends have kicked off a resurgence in the game’s popularity, particularly among younger players who are seeking affordable alternatives to a night out,” reported City AM.
“Of the 190,000 new retail customers the company picked up last year, half were aged under 35. Last year, Buzz Bingo saw admissions and revenue grow for the first time since the indoor smoking ban came into force 2007.”
Asset manager ICG acquired the Buzz brand from Caledonia Investments for an undisclosed sum in March 2021, and has now appointed Oakvale Capital to oversee a possible sale.
ICG had previously attempted to sell Buzz Bingo in 2023, in a process overseen by Nomura, however the sale was called off.
The latest move comes ahead of an anticipated spike in MGD to 40 percent, which could damage the strong performance of the bingo industry, and undermine further growth.
“Unless bingo clubs are protected from such reform, the viability of bingo in the UK will be at risk,” said Buzz CEO Dominic Mansour in response to the proposed increase. “The numbers for Britain’s bingo could truly be up.”
“The valuation of the business in a sale was unclear this weekend, and sources insisted that the process was exploratory at this stage,” reported Sky News. “Prospective bidders are expected to include private equity firms which typically invest in consumer-facing businesses.”
“Buzz Bingo’s revenues in its last financial year rose 11 percent to £241.4m, with double-digit sales growth across both retail and online channels. That momentum is understood to have continued during the current financial year, with a 12.4 percent increase in new retail customers.”
Bingo knocking on the door of opportunity
Dominic Mansour said… “Unless bingo clubs are protected from such reform, the viability of bingo in the UK will be at risk…The numbers for Britain’s bingo could truly be up…
Originally published on Coinslot on October 19, 2026. Republished with permission.