Bingo and kids

[Pleasepleasepleaseno]

Would you think bingo is bad for kids because of introducing them to gambling?
We took our dc (8) to bingo at our gym. Mostly adults but some kids too. They play for a drink at the bar (dc won a milkshake), a bottle of wine (or if its a kid they get fizzy pop) sports water bottle / reusable coffee cup but the last prize is cash. I think it's about £80 or so depending on how many players. I didn't really think about the cash prize before we went. DC really enjoyed it though and has asked to go again sometime. Do you think it's a bad idea or a bit of fun?

I think it's a bit of fun, my aunt took me to bingo regularly from the age of 6, I absolutely loved it

I guess a lot of it is down to the personality of your child. One a my kids got a bit intense with the 2p games at the arcade, we had to have a conversation about how the ‘house always wins’ and moved swiftly on. As long as the game is ‘fun’ and not in an intense ‘have to win’ kind of way, I think bingo’s fine.

I personally wouldn’t take my child. But different people have different ideas about what is right.

It definitely is a 'fun' rather than intense game. There's lots of silly player participation ie 22 is 2 little ducks, everyone has to quack. And winning drinks or bits and bobs is sort of the same as what happens at kids birthday parties so I have no concerns on that front. Something didn't quite sit right about the cash prize though. I think maybe if we go again we might introduce a rule that if any of us in the family win the prize we spend it on a day out for us all. Would that help.maybe?

We went at the coast and also at holiday camps, they liked it but kids can only take part of the stakes are under a certain level

I always thought children couldn’t pay for cash prizes? All the bingo we’ve ever played has been very strict on children not taking part even marking your card for the cash prizes or it invalidates the gambling licence. The kids have only ever been allowed to play for the kids prizes.

That's interesting about cash prizes for kids. They didn't say anything like that. Maybe they'd have had to give it to one of us parents then. IDK.

I wouldn't do it, personally. Bingo is only interesting because there's a chance of a prize, I'd not refuse if someone had arranged it at a party, but it isn't something I'd choose for my kids to do.

Not really any different to quizzes, raffles or other competitions really.

According to the gambling commission, under 18's shouldn't be participating in Bingo games at all.

www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/licensees-and-businesses/page/age-restrictions-in-bingo-premises

I'd rather take part in an activity at the gym, like a ping pong game or roller skating then buy him a milkshake.

I used to go to bingo as a child and have really fond memory’s of it, I wouldn’t hesitate to take my daughter.

Id also rather expose her to gambling at an age where she’s naturally more open and honest as it gives you a better chance to spot any issues and discuss them

Hmm all those versions of bingo games for kids must never get played then...we've played bingo at home loads of times!

Like a pp said, why is it any different to a quiz or other games etc?

Classic bonkers mumsnet thread.