Gala Bingo and Mecca Bingo account for 80 per cent of UK bingo halls revenues, according to the latest market research from Mintel.

The new report reveals that while the aforementioned brands dominate the land-based bingo market, Crown Bingo and Foxy Bingo have established themselves as online favourites among British players.

Bingo News reported that the figures show more bingo hall regulars are trying their luck online, adding a new interactive dimension to their gaming habits.

It quoted the report saying: "There is now a slow bleed of club players to the online world."

According to Mintel’s figures, a fifth of UK bingo’s turnover is now generated by online gaming, with increasing numbers of young professionals showing interest in the game.

Skilled and white collar workers currently make up over 38 per cent of Britain’s bingo fans.

In these difficult financial times, many bingo operators have launched discount offers and prize packages for regular online players.