Bingo in Dublin remains popular with games at the National Stadium and The George bar offering a social outlet for all generations with the chance to win a jackpot.
Every week over 100,000 people in Ireland play bingo in Ireland. One of Dublin's largest bingo games takes place at the National Stadium and it has been played at the South Circular Road venue since 1932.
Bingo caller Ann Smith believes the game is synonymous with the National Stadium,
Bingo has been here for so long, you know, everybody knows the Stadium.
Matt Seaton originally came to bingo at the National Stadium with his mother-in-law and her friends. Since he started playing six months ago he was had a number of wins. He thinks older people tend to frequent bingo at the Stadium.
Diane Kenny and Stephen O’Malley disagree. While many young people initially go to bingo with their mothers, they continue to attend with their friends as a social activity. Rachel Bowes would rather go to bingo than to the pub and approves of the games all ages appeal.
I think it’s good that it’s something that people from all generations can enjoy.
Caroline Gannon has been attending bingo at the Stadium for 22 years. Her daughter Therese believes young people go to bingo because it is a great social scene with the added bonus of winning.
That said, the big winner on the night is bingo regular Annie Wiltes. Her good fortune leads Ann Smith to surmise,
Bingo will always be there, it’s a game that will never go away.
In contrast to bingo at the National Stadium is Sunday bingo at The George pub on George’s Street in Dublin. Shirley Temple Bar is calls the numbers where the traditional game of bingo is combined with drag queens performing in a cabaret show.
Michelle Lawlor is a regular attendee,
It’s quite competitive for some people, most people just go for the show and the craic.
While the audience at The George is younger than the Stadium, there is also the promise of cash prizes for the lucky winners.
A 'Capital D’ report broadcast on 30 March 2006. The reporter is Pat Sammon. The presenter is Anne Cassin.
