BingoDaily has today learned that Mecca Bingo, owned by the Rank Group PLC (LON: RNK) is to withdraw its popular Play Points reward scheme on August the 1st.
In an email seen by BingoDaily, websites advertising Mecca Bingo are being told to remove all content referring to the Mecca Play Points rewards by the end of the month.
The email read:
Mecca Bingo is a brand that likes to reward its players, so from the moment you register for an account, you automatically become part of their Play Points scheme. Each time you purchase a ticket, regardless of whether it's online or on your mobile phone you will be rewarded with points. The Mecca Bingo 'Lucky for Some Free Bingo' promotion ('the Promotion') is only open to residents of England, Scotland and Wales who are aged 18 years or over at the time of entry. The Promotion can be entered on the Website and takes place every day from 4th January 2021 between 08:00 – 22:00, until further notice (the 'Promotional. All Bingo Slots & Games Club 1x free go daily between 12pm-12am. Winnings won from rewards credited as cash. All non-cash rewards expire in 7 days. Deposit and spend £10 in previous day to play 1 spin from 2pm-12am. Mecca Bingo Play Points money cash wagering of bonus offer amount must be met (30 days from deposit) on eligible casino games. Bonuses credited in cash, spins credited upon deposits; under £50 - 10 Spins; £50 or over Mecca Bingo Play Points - 25 Spins. Spins on Book of Dead only, 3-day expiry, winnings paid in cash.
'As of August 1st 2020, Mecca Play Points will be removed from our customer offering to both new and existing players.
Mecca Bingo is a brand that likes to reward its players, so from the moment you register for an account, you automatically become part of their Play Points scheme. Each time you purchase a ticket, regardless of whether it's online or on your mobile phone you will be rewarded with points. The Mecca Bingo 'Lucky for Some Free Bingo' promotion ('the Promotion') is only open to residents of England, Scotland and Wales who are aged 18 years or over at the time of entry. The Promotion can be entered on the Website and takes place every day from 4th January 2021 between 08:00 – 22:00, until further notice (the 'Promotional. All Bingo Slots & Games Club 1x free go daily between 12pm-12am. Winnings won from rewards credited as cash. All non-cash rewards expire in 7 days. Deposit and spend £10 in previous day to play 1 spin from 2pm-12am. Mecca Bingo Play Points money cash wagering of bonus offer amount must be met (30 days from deposit) on eligible casino games. Bonuses credited in cash, spins credited upon deposits; under £50 - 10 Spins; £50 or over Mecca Bingo Play Points - 25 Spins. Spins on Book of Dead only, 3-day expiry, winnings paid in cash.
'As of August 1st 2020, Mecca Play Points will be removed from our customer offering to both new and existing players.
Please ensure that any mention of the Mecca Play Points scheme is removed from any published content or Mecca brand advertising before the start of August.'
Mecca Play Points is a rewards scheme that awards points for playing which can be redeemed for prizes. Every time bingo tickets are bought, points are earned. There are five points levels, and the more points you get, the better your rewards will be.
Mecca Bingo Play Points Game
The last prizes to be given out were:
Sony Extra Bass MDR Headphones, Portable Bluetooth Wireless Speaker, Amazon Fire HD 10 Wi-Fi,16GB and an iPad 32GB – WiFi – Space Grey
At this stage, it is not known why the play points program is being stopped so abruptly. No explanation was offered, and at the time of writing, Mecca Bingo has not replied to BingoDaily's request for further information.
Mecca Bingo Uk
UKGC Clampdown?
One possible reason could be tied to the recent clampdown by the UKGC, who regulates all gambling activities in the UK and has shone the regulatory spotlight on how gambling operators conduct themselves with their customers in respect of responsible gambling.
In April, when trying to address the risks of COVID-19 on gambling activity, the UKGC stated:
'Reward programmes will also be required to have full audit trails detailing decision making with specified senior oversight and accountability.'
Whether the cancellation is a direct response to UKGC interest or merely a revamp/new loyalty scheme launch, it is not clear. However, it does look very likely that the rewards programme's incentivised nature could be construed as encouraging further gambling. This is something that the UKGC is very keen on clamping down upon.
As to the points themselves, it is also unclear what is going to happen to the points already accrued. The email stated:
'Existing players who have already accrued Play Points will be contacted directly regarding the change.'
Should this be a regulatory decision, we can expect other rewards and loyalty schemes under further scrutiny with many either changing or disappearing altogether.
