Oldest Bingo Halls in the UK Architecture, British gaming building designs, UK architectural treasures

Oldest Bingo Halls in the UK

September 16, 2025

Bingo in Britain has always been more than just a game. For years, it’s been an excuse to come together and share a laugh while waiting for the next number to be called. But it isn’t just about the cards or the callers; it’s about the halls themselves. These were more than buildings; they were part of the local culture, of everyday life, and sometimes, architectural treasures.

Grangemouth’s La Scala

Grangemouth’s La Scala has a rich history. It opened in 1913 as the Empire Electric Theatre and became the La Scala Cinema three years later. Locals gathered at its screenings until it closed in 1971. Later, it got a new chance as the Carlton Bingo Club, operating until 2006.

In 2007, the building earned a Grade C listing, highlighting its cultural significance. But its recent history has been shaky. In March 2023, it was auctioned off for just £55,000, before being relisted days later with an opening bid of £213,000. This sparked concern in the community, with many worried that profit was being prioritised over heritage. La Scala to the locals isn’t just a building, it’s a cultural landmark worth preserving.

Historic UK Bingo Halls

La Scala isn’t alone. Across Britain, many iconic buildings have hosted bingo over the years:

Dreamland, Margate: Originally a cinema, later a bingo hall, and now a Grade II listed building, Dreamland is a nostalgic reminder of Margate’s vibrant cultural past.
Hippodrome, Brighton: This versatile venue has been an ice rink, a circus, cinema, and bingo hall. Though it closed in 2006, it remains one of Brighton’s greatest architectural treasures, with hopes for restoration.

The Spanish City, Tyne and Wear: Known for its white façade and striking dome, it opened in 1908 as a theatre, became a dance hall, and transitioned to a bingo hall in the ‘60s. After years of closure, it reopened in 2018, blending history with contemporary use.
Gala Bingo, Wandsworth: Once called the Granada cinema, one of Britain’s most lavish cinemas, this Grade I listed building became a bingo hall in the ‘70s. Walking inside feels like stepping back in time.

The Golden Age

The mid-20th century was bingo’s golden age. Many cinemas and ballrooms were reopened as bingo halls, often keeping their glamorous interiors. Chandeliers sparkled overhead, velvet seats offered comfort, and sweeping staircases and balconies added grandeur, even to a simple game night.

Shifting Times and Online Bingo

By the end of the 20th century, things changed. Property values were rising and it wasn’t easy maintaining large, ornate buildings. At the same time, online bingo began to grow. Today, many players prefer the convenience of online bingo games which are so readily available, that companies are moving away from expensive real estate locations.

Preserving the Past

The challenge now is finding balance. While digital platforms bring bingo into the modern age, there’s growing awareness of the value of preserving historic spaces. Buildings like the Spanish City show that restoration can breathe new life into cultural icons, allowing them to be contemporary while honouring their history.

Britain’s oldest bingo halls are more than relics; they are part of the culture. They remind us of an era when having fun meant meeting friends in crowded rooms, pencils, and number cards. Though the way we play has changed, the spirit of the game remains the same.